Near Oriskany in Oneida County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of The Battle of Oriskany
August 6, 1777
— Historic New York —
Site of The Battle of Oriskany
August 6, 1777
Defeated at Oriskany and unable to force the surrender of Fort Stanwix, the British retreated to Canada. These reverses, with their defeat at Saratoga, thwarted Burgoyne's plan to divide the colonies by conquering New York.
Education Department
State of New York 1965
Department of Public Works
Erected 1965 by Education Department, State of New York, Department of Public Works.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Battlefield Trails - Revolutionary War, the Historic New York State, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.
Location. 43° 10.628′ N, 75° 22.2′ W. Marker is near Oriskany, New York, in Oneida County. Marker is on Memorial Drive near State Route 69 (New York State Route 69), on the right when traveling north. The Large state marker is near the parking area at the end of Memorial Drive. Memorial Drive is essentially the driveway into the State Historic Site from Route 69. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7801 State Route 69, Oriskany NY 13424, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Oriskany Battlefield (here, next to this marker); Relief for Fort Stanwix (here, next to this marker); Here the Battle of Oriskany Was Fought (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rally (within shouting distance of this marker); A Clash of Cultures (within shouting distance of this marker); Alliances Drawn (within shouting distance of this marker); In the Valley homes was great mourning (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Near This Spot (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oriskany.
Regarding Site of The Battle of Oriskany. Considered to be a significant turning point in the War of Independence, the Battle of Oriskany, fought on August 6, 1777, has been described as one of the bloodiest battles of the war. A monument was dedicated on August 6, 1884, to serve as a memorial to those who fought so bravely and tenaciously to preserve freedom. Oriskany Battlefield was designated a New York State historic site in 1927. In recognition of the site's exceptional historic value, the battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Today, visitors to the battlefield can walk the site, read a series of interpretive signs, and visit a historic encampment during special events.
In August 1777, while the British were attacking Fort Stanwix, Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer assembled 800 militiamen, supported by 60 allied Oneida warriors, and marched from Fort Dayton to aid against the siege. Upon hearing of Herkimer's advance, British and Loyalist troops under Sir John Johnson and Col. John Butler, and Indian forces led by Mohawk Joseph Brant, set a trap in a boggy ravine west of Oriskany Creek. As the unsuspecting American troops crossed the swampy bottom and marched up the ravine, the British attacked. The patriots fought in brutal hand-to-hand combat, and in spite of heavy losses, caused the Seneca and the Mohawks, followed by the British and Loyalists to retreat. It was in this battle that General Herkimer received the wound to his leg which led to his death ten days later.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Additional keywords. Nicholas Herkimer, St. Ledger, Fort Stanwix, Fort Schuyler, Sir John Johnson, Colonel Peter Gansevoort, Tories, Colonel John Butler, Joseph Brant, Mohawk, Seneca, Indians
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 3,171 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on September 26, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 3. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 15, 2016, by Scott J. Payne of Deposit, New York. 5. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6, 7. submitted on September 26, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 8. submitted on February 15, 2016, by Scott J. Payne of Deposit, New York. 9. submitted on March 13, 2016, by Scott J. Payne of Deposit, New York. 10, 11, 12. submitted on September 26, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 13. submitted on March 7, 2015. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.