Fort Stanwix

Fort Stanwix. Pathways to Discovery. , [ Left Inset; ] , , From Trade Routes to Treaties , First constructed in 1758 during the French and Indian War, Fort Stanwix is most famous for its role in the American Revolution. Strategically built along a historic portage and trade route first named "Deo-wain-sta" by the Oneidas, this six mile stretch of land linked the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. It allowed travel and trade between the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes long before the Erie Canal. The English later renamed it the "Oneida Carry" because travelers hauled vessels up to six miles on foot before continuing their water journey., [Photo Caption: ] F-106 Fighter's from the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Griffiss Air Force Base fly over Fort Stanwix National Monument in 1976, [Main Text, Top to Bottom: ] , Fort Stanwix National Monument is a recreation of the 18th century military camp that once stood on these lands. Three short trails encircle the fort, including one that follows a portion of the original Oneida Carrying Place., On the map to the right, you'll see the main British encampment during the Revolutionary War's 21-day siege of Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) in August of 1777. The high ground offered good views of the fort, allowing soldiers to easily drop of explosive shells inside its walls. Elevation also served as protection from the fort's cannons, and the nearby Mohawk River supplied fresh water and easy sewage disposal for the troops., American defense of "the fort that never surrendered" would cause British troops to abandon their siege, leading to a larger defeat in Saratoga. Representatives of the new United States of America and Six Nations Confederacy would return here to Fort Stanwix to sign one of the Revolutionary War's final peace treaties., [ Photo and Illustration Captions: ] , - Receipt from the Six Nations to Thomas and Richard Penn, in acknowledgment of the sum paid to them for lands sold at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, 1769. , - A historical reenactment at Fort Stanwix , - Background: "A Sketch of the Siege of Fort Schuyler Presented to Col, Gansevoort by L. Flury."