During the Revolutionary War , the Ramapo Pass was the best land route through the Highlands. Because of its strategic location, the narrowest section of the pass (in what is now Hillburn) was fortified and continuously occupied by Continental forces from 1776-1783. Severe snow-storms during November 1779 surprised thousands of inadequately dressed and equipped American troops moving through the Ramapo Mountains, setting the stage for the worst winter in the historic record. Come and hear Harmony Hall Curator Geoff Welch tell the tale of patriots who dealt these dire conditions in the war for independence. Some troops who died of exposure may rest in an 18th century cemetery along the Old Clove Road through the Ramapo Pass.