Rome in Oneida County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Bull
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, August 17, 2008
1. Fort Bull Marker
On water route
Destroyed and
many killed by
French & Indians
March 27 1756
Erected 1907.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • War, French and Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is March 27, 1756.
Location. 43° 13.409′ N, 75° 30.118′ W. Marker is in Rome, New York, in Oneida County. Marker can be reached from Rome-New London Road (New York State Route 46/49) half a mile west of Erie Boulevard West, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located behind the former Erie Canal Village on property owned by the Rome Historical Society. Access is restricted to guided tours only and may be arranged by calling 315-336-5870. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5789 Rome-New London Rd, Rome NY 13440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clinton's Ditch (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Erie Canal Enlargement (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Bull (approx. 0.2 miles away); Erie Canal (approx. 0.3 miles away); U.S. Arsenal (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Oneida Carrying Place
this page online
Regarding Fort Bull. In 1755 two forts were built by the British to protect each end of the Oneida Carrying Place, a strategic land portage located between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. Fort Bull (Wood Creek Fort) named after its commander Lt. William Bull was located on the western side of the portage and also served as a supply depot for the British garrison at Oswego. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Oneida Carry and the need to disrupt this critical British supply line between Albany and Oswego the French sent Lt. Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry with a force of more than 360 to attack the Oneida Carry. After marching across northern NY for two weeks, de Léry would arrive along the carry road on March 27, 1756, where he ambushed a supply convoy and initiated his attack on Fort Bull. As a result, more than 60 British were either killed or captured, the fort was destroyed and its stores were blown up or dumped into Wood Creek. Within a month of its destruction, the British recognized
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, August 17, 2008
2. Fort Bull Marker
Listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places in 2019 Fort Bull-Fort Wood Creek continues to remain subject to looting and exploitation.
The Rome Historical Society is the sole owner of the Fort Bull - Fort Wood Creek property and is the only authority authorized to provide access to this pristine historic site.
To schedule a tour please contact the Rome Historical Society at 315-336-5870 or [email protected]
Also see . . . Fort Bull - Fort Wood Creek. Rome Historical Society (Submitted on February 15, 2023.)
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, August 17, 2008
3. Fort Bull Marker
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 29, 2011
4. Fort Bull Marker
Distant view of Fort Bull seen in an opening in the woods, to the left of the British flag.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 29, 2011
5. Fort Bull Marker
The pathway through what was once the earthwork fortifications protecting Fort Bull. View of the historical marker in the distant background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 29, 2011
6. Fort Bull Marker
View of some of the remaining earthwork fortifications that once made up Fort Bull, with a view of the historical marker in the left background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 29, 2011
7. Fort Bull Marker
View of the trail that goes through the Erie Canal Village Historic Site, on it's way back to the Fort Bull historic marker (located just in front of the distant trees in the far left of the picture).
Photographed By Arthur L. Simmons III, October 8, 2021
8. Fort Bull Monument
Photographed By Arthur L. Simmons III, August 2, 2021
9. Fort Bull - Fort Wood Creek
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,030 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on February 14, 2023, by Arthur L. Simmons III of Rome, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 7, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 8, 9. submitted on February 14, 2023, by Arthur L. Simmons III of Rome, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
