Putnam County Tourism has launched a free drivable audio tour as part of its Revolutionary 250 celebration, The Revolutionary Road to Putnam County, which is narrated by well-known Putnam County philanthropist George Carroll Whipple III.

“Putnam County played a vital role in America’s fight for independence, and this new interactive tour offers a unique way to experience that history firsthand. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, initiatives like this help bring Revolutionary-era stories to life for residents and visitors alike. From Sybil Ludington’s ride to the strategic importance of Constitution Island, this tour highlights the people, places, and events that shaped both our county and our country. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to bring this to life, including Mr. George Whipple and our County Historian’s office,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne.

Putnam County’s story is deeply connected to America’s fight for independence. As part of the strategic Highlands region, it helped control access along the Hudson River during the War for Independence, preventing British forces from traveling north and dividing the colonies.

Local figures embodied that spirit of resistance, including 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, whose legendary nearly 40-mile ride through the night to warn of British troops in Danbury, Connecticut, and the great Sachem Daniel Nimham and his son Abraham, who fought and died at the Battle of Kingsbridge. Putnam County is named after Major General Israel Putnam, a hero in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

Developed by TravelStorysGPS, the audio tour transports visitors to the past, revealing the story of Putnam County’s role in the American Revolution. Visitors can take the tour in either direction or explore the story sites in any order. Locations are marked on the map with green icons. The recommended route begins at Red Mills Historic Park and follows Routes 6N, 6, 301 and 9D toward Manitou, or starts just north of Manitou and follows the same route in reverse. Audio will play automatically as visitors approach each site. We strongly recommend driving the speed limit and having a co-pilot help navigate the route to enhance the experience.

Highlights of the tour include a new perspective of Ludington’s midnight run, which rallied militia after the burning of nearby Danbury. Participants can also hear the treasonous story of Major General Benedict Arnold and visit the Boscobel House & Gardens, the dream house of wealthy Loyalists. Guests will also learn about Black History during the Revolution and learn about a local stop The Bird & Bottle Inn, a Revolutionary War-era tavern still operating on Old Albany Post Road in Garrison.

Several popular local attractions are also highlighted on the map with orange icons. Visitors can tap these icons to learn more if time allows for additional stops.

Before starting the tour, users should set the app’s location permissions to “always allow” to ensure the audio plays even if the phone goes to sleep. Additional tour information, directions to each story site, and user tips are available through the information button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

The audio tour is available for download for Apple & Android Phones. Revolutionary Road to Putnam County | TravelStorys

For more information about the History, Places & Personalities That Built a Nation in Putnam County, New York go to RevolutionaryPutnam.org