If you're driving through beautiful central New York, Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome is definitely worth a stop.

This reconstructed Revolutionary War fort, originally built in 1758, depicts what life was like on the frontier in the mid-1700s. In 1778, troops here withstood a 21-day siege, stopping an invasion by British forces.

The fort hosts several special events throughout the year. An on-site museum includes artifacts from the original fort. The Rome Historical Society is right across the street, and Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, where a critical battle was fought during the siege of Fort Stanwix, is only 5 miles or so southeast on State Highway 69.

Rome is about 7 miles north of I-90, where State Highways 26 and 69 meet, about 18 miles northwest of Utica. The fort is open daily from April 1 through December, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. For more information, phone 1-315/336-2090.