Stacked Rifles

Stacked Rifles Historical Marker references Peekskill’s military and geographical history.

“Peekskill was a significant Revolutionary War military base, and at times used as a headquarters for American army officers in the Hudson Valley from 1776 through 1782. The area was important for its hilly defensive location, its views of the bay, and its industries applied to military purposes. The overlook locale, now identified as “Fort Hill” in Peekskill, was the site of five large barracks buildings and two redoubts. An average of 1,000 Continental soldiers were stationed at Camp Peekskill on and off through the eight years of war”.

The piece takes its abstract form from stacked rifles; this familiar configuration symbolizes soldiers at ease. The piece is painted in safety orange, which is the standard color for defining a protective space, marking a location or the need for awareness. When viewed from directly above, the sculpture’s four abstract rifles create an X, both marking the spot as a place of significance, and calling for future vigilance. Fall 2006

Wood, fasteners and safety orange paint, 5′ W x 5′ L x 9′ H

*excerpts from History of Peekskill, Written by John J. Curran, City Historian, January 2002

This public art project was part of Peekskill Project III. Many thanks to Camilo Alvarez of Samsøn Projects, Boston, MA and HVCCA, Peekskill, NY

Top: on-site public art installation. Right: proposal diagram