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The American Revolution may seem far away in the aspects of time and location, but a local school teacher wants us to know history is actually all around us.
Chris DiPasquale, a seventh grade social studies teacher has not only authored a book about the history that surrounds Yorktown, and the Hudson Valley specifically, but has introduced his students to it as well.
“Being someone who has always been very interested in 18th century history, you can’t trip without coming upon a historic site here,” he said.
DiPasquale said that more Revolutionary War history took place in this area than most people realize.
“People think that the revolution started in Massachusetts and then it ended in Virgina, and think maybe there was a little battle in New York somewhere -- but New York has more battles site than any other state and our area is rich in history and it’s often forgotten.”
Because of the rich history in the area, DiPasquale’s students have researched and received funding for two historical markers in Yorktown. One is in front of the now closed French Hills Elementary School, the other in front of Mildred E. Strang Middle School.
DiPasquale explained that French Hill is the area where the French encamped twice, one on the way to Yorktown, Virginia and the other time on the way back.
“Basically French Hill school to all the way west—almost to where the police station is, was a huge French encampment. And from there they marched across the Hudson and went down to fight the battle of Yorktown,” DiPasquale said.
The famous Benedict Arnold treason also happened on arguably one of the busiest roads in present-day Yorktown.
“Major John Andre was [Arnold’s] connection to the British army, and they met across the river in Haverstraw and then Andre crossed the river and traveled straight through this area,” DiPasquale said. “He went down what’s now Route 202 and he stayed at the Isaac Underhill House, which is still on California Road. So where our school is, if you had been there on September 22, 1781, Major John Andre would have rode right past where you’re standing.”
DiPasquale said having the opportunity for the students to research their own town gives them a sense of pride and understanding.
"It really invests them in their own education and in their own town,” he said. “It gives you a sense of pride in your community and pride in your nations history and in your town’s history.”
July 4 however, is a benchmark in creating the country we are today, DiPasquale often reminds his students.
“I always tell my students whatever day it is, whether it's Memorial day, Flag Day, September 11 -- whatever it is -- is while you’re at that bbq, just remember what actually happened in history,” he said. “It’s a day beyond the signing of a document, it’s a day beyond just fireworks and bbqs and hot dogs, it really is a day that we should reflect on. I think this country should really look at ourselves and ask, 'Can we fulfill that dream of the Declaration of Independence on July 4?'”
Do you know a different historical part of Yorktown, or want to learn more about a part of town? Send me an email at jswift@TheDailyYorktown.com
