Hamilton’s Artillery has a long history. Check out this special event at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL on November 14.The history of Hamilton’s 5th Artillery spans 250 years of American military service.
From early artillery to modern advancements, the regiment’s story reflects the changing nature of warfare and the soldiers who served through those changes.
Explore that history during a guided tour of our Hamilton’s 5th Artillery exhibition on November 14 at 1 PM. Space is limited.
Register here: bit.ly/48lUYqa
NWTA EVENT SCHEDULE 2027
As approved 7 November 2026
May 1-2 Menomonee Falls
School Day April 30
TBA event location
May 29-30 Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, Vincennes, IN
June 5-6 Colonial Days, Heritage Park, Taylor, MI
July 10-11 Riverview Park, St Joseph, MI
July 24-25 Gelatin Park, Grayslake, IL
Aug 21-22 Ft Meigs, Perrysville, OH
Sept 18-19 Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL
School days Sept 16-17
Sept 25-26 Vermilion Valley Encampment, Forest Glen Preserve, Westville, IL
School Day Sept 24
Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, W Lafayette, IN
TBA date
Side by side. Left: a reenactor at Locust Grove, KY, 2013. Right: A Beggar Woman and Child by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, 1760.
John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore PC (1730 – 25 February 1809) was a British Army officer and colonial administrator Lord Dunmore, whose roots ran back to Scotland, served as the Colonial Governor in both New York and Virginia
On November 7, 1775 Dunmore issued a proclamation that established martial law and offered freedom to slaves who would leave patriotic owners and join the British army: "I do hereby farther declare all indented servants, Negroes, or others (appertaining to rebels) free, that are able and willing to bear arms, they joining his Majesty’s troops, as soon as may be, for the more speedily reducing this colony to a proper sense of their duty, to his Majesty’s crown and dignity.
On November 3, 1783, the Continental Army was officially disbanded by congressional proclamation following the end of the American Revolutionary War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
General George Washington issued farewell orders from New Windsor, New York, thanking his troops for their long service and sacrifices.
Only a tiny force of a few hundred men (such as small guards at West Point and Fort Pitt) was retained to look over public stores and fortifications.
The peaceful discharge of the army established the United States' core democratic tradition of placing civilian governance above a permanent standing military.
Washington formally resigned his military commission a few weeks later on December 23, 1783, before the Continental Congress in Annapolis, Maryland.
TRY REENACTING!
Do you want to fire a musket, help crew a cannon, or just enjoy an evening around the fire?
Our Units are excited to host folks who want to try out the hobby.
They will supply the necessary gear and clothing for you (and your family) to join us for a weekend reenacting the American Revolution!
What are you in for? Read our “What Re-enacting with the NWTA Looks Like.”