Middleburgh in Schoharie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Timothy Murphy Trail
Historic New York
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 23, 2019
1. The Timothy Murphy Trail Marker
Timothy Murphy was Schoharie County's Revolutionary hero. Owner of one of the first double-barreled rifles, he was a sharpshooter known to the Indians as the magic man whose gun would shoot without reloading. As a member of Morgan's Rifles, Murphy fired the shot which killed British General Simon Fraser at the Battle of Saratoga on October 7, 1777. This deprived the English of leadership during the crucial battle which was the turning point of the Revolution.
In 1780, while Murphy was stationed at the Middle Fort the Tories and Indians swept down the Schoharie Valley plundering and killing. Major Woolsey, the commander, was ready to surrender, but Murphy, in the face of a threat to shoot him for insubordination, fired at the enemy and drove them off. He saved the day and the valley and won himself a place in the heart of every Schoharian.
Erected 1971 by Education Department/ State of New York/Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Historic New York State series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 7, 1777.
Location. 42° 33.458′ N, 74° 24.083′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bouck's Island (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Here Col. John Harper (approx. half a mile away); Indian Trail (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Upper Fort 1777 (approx. 1.8 miles away); Timothy Murphy (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of Upper Valley Fort (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Indian Trail (approx. 2.4 miles away); Vroman's Land (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middleburgh.
Regarding The Timothy Murphy Trail. The Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys were raided by Sir John Johnson in 1780 to keep supplies from the Continental Army and to generally disrupt life on the western frontier.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Battle of Stone Arabia Marker maps and outlines the intentions of the 1780 raids of John Johnson and Joesph Brant in the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys.
Also see . . .
1. Joesph Brant. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 23, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
2. John Johnson
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 23, 2019
2. The Timothy Murphy Trail Marker
Marker is in the Schoharie Valley with high ridges to each side.
3. Timothy Murphy. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 23, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 23, 2019
3. View of the Schoharie Valley
Looking east from the marker across the valley
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 400 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
