History came alive in Yorktown Heights this weekend as the fourth annual Rochambeau Festival gave visitors a glimpse into life during the American Revolution.
The festival featured reenactors who portrayed figures such as George and Martha Washington, alongside demonstrations that highlighted the experiences of everyday colonists.
Guests explored colonial cooking, farm animals and hands-on exhibits that showcased 18th-century life. Crowd favorites included Aries and Zeus, two oxen that symbolized the hard work that supported the fight for independence.
Daniel Cross, who portrayed George Washington, said the Revolution placed new responsibilities on citizens.
“You must now act with the same leadership quality, the same virtue that crown once held,” Cross said. “Because that crown is now your responsibility.”
The Rochambeau Festival honors the march of French Gen. Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, whose troops passed through the Hudson Valley on their way to the decisive victory at Yorktown that helped secure American independence.
