SCHUMER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE FISHKILL SUPPLY DEPOT AND HONOR FALLEN REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROES- BILL COULD MAKE DEPOT A MAJOR PART OF HUDSON VALLEY'S UNPARALLELED TOURISM INDUSTRY

Schumer Will Push For Legislation to Preserve Hundreds of Recently Discovered Graves at Revolutionary War Camp

Current Site Does Not Qualify For Funding Under Preservation Program - Schumer Reintroduces Legislation To Make Site Eligible For Funding To Purchase And Preserve Historic Land

Majority of Site Already Developed for Commercial Use - Without Protection, Remaining Land in Danger of Being Paved Over

Press Release from the Office of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, April 12, 2011

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced plans to reintroduce legislation to make the Fishkill Supply Depot in Fishkill, NY, an important depot for the Continental Army during the American revolution, eligible for federal preservation funds. In recent years, hundreds of graves that date back to the Revolutionary War have been found at the Fishkill Supply depot, increasing the urgency to protect this important piece of American history. Unfortunately, the existing preservation program that provides funding for communities to purchase and preserve significant historic locations, the American Battlefield Protection Program, currently only applies to sites associated with the Civil War. Schumer's legislation would expand this program to include historic sites that are also associated with the Revolutionary War - including the Fishkill Supply Depot.

"The Fishkill Supply Depot has always been a local treasure, but with the discovery of hundreds of graves from the Revolutionary War, it is more important than ever to protect this site to honor the memory of those who fought to create our great nation," said Schumer. "It is critical that we protect this remarkable site in order to preserve its value for generations to come. This legislation can provide the town with greater resources to purchase and preserve the site to prevent any further development and destruction. The depot can serve as an attraction for visitors near and far and have a tremendous impact on the local economy."

The Fishkill Supply Depot was used during the Revolutionary War as a hub for food and supplies and as a camp for soldiers of the Continental Army. An important supply center in the New York region, the depot was visited by George Washington and was actively used by the army from 1776-1783. The site played an important role in the Continental Army's fight to prevent the advance of the British Army and ultimately win independence.

Recent archeological investigations and ground-penetrating radar scans have located hundreds of graves at the Fishkill Supply Depot dating back to the 18th century, and it is anticipated that the number of graves on the site could be more than 1,000. Much of the depot site has been covered by development, and there have been further plans for the construction of a shopping center.

"When we speak of our nation's founders, we usually think of the leaders who signed the Declaration and framed the Constitution," said Depot Vice President Nate Binzen. "We should remember that our nation's first veterans were also founders - people who put their lives on the line to bring forth a new country in the face of great uncertainty and danger. In Fishkill, New York, recent archeology has uncovered the largest Continental Army Burial Complex ever identified: all soldiers who died and were buried in the service of a nation as yet unborn. Such sacrifice deserves its proper recognition, and American Battlefield Protection legislation is crucial to the preservation and celebration of historic achievements such as those that occurred at the Fishkill Supply Depot. Without it, the survival of this burial ground remains precarious. We strongly urge that this legislation be brought forward in the service of our national historical legacy in unique and precious sites like the Fishkill Supply Depot.-

Tourism is New York State's second largest industry, and the Hudson Valley region generates the third most tourism dollars in the state, behind only New York City and Long Island. According to a study commissioned jointly by the New York State Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Tourism Industry Coalition, and the Empire State Development Corporation, tourism in the Hudson Valley generated $5.7 billion in the region and almost $800 million in Dutchess County alone. According to the same source, tourism is responsible for 6% of all employment in the Hudson Valley. Preservation of the Fishkill Supply Depot will increase the Dutchess' draw to tourists and will provide a boost the regional economy.

Despite its historical significance, little remains of the original structures at the Fishkill Supply Depot today. Much of this significant historic site has been developed into a shopping mall and a gas station. Now, once more, land belonging to the supply depot, which has never been properly assessed by experts in the field of military archaeology, is being seriously threatened by a new round of commercial development.

Recent archeological investigations have turned up deep graves at the Fishkill Supply Depot dating to the 18th century. Ground-penetrating radar scans have located hundreds of graves, and it is anticipated that the number of graves on the site could be more than 1,000. A more thorough investigation is necessary to assess the true value of the site, but two remaining open space parcels are currently slated for development.

The National Park Service (NPS) currently operates a program to help States and local communities acquire and preserve threatened Civil War Battlefields. The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) awards grants to assist in the acquisition of Civil War sites for the purpose of historic preservation. Schumer's legislation will ensure that Revolutionary War sites, including the Fishkill Supply Depot, are eligible for these funds.

The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) promotes the preservation of significant historic battlefields associated with wars on American soil. The goals of the program are 1) to protect battlefields and sites associated with armed conflicts that influenced the course of our history, 2) to encourage and assist all Americans in planning for the preservation, management, and interpretation of these sites, and 3) to raise awareness of the importance of preserving battlefields and related sites for future generations. The ABPP focuses primarily on land use, cultural resource and site management planning, and public education.

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