Revolution in the Mohawk Valley

Revolution in the Mohawk Valley. Fort Plain Museum. First Frame of Text: Fort Plain Museum, Fort Plain, also known as Fort Rensselaer, was built 1778-79 on two-thirds of an acre of hilltop, an ideal strategic and defensive position. Families from nearby settlements retreated behind the fort's stockade for protection from enemy raids. In the spring of 1781 Fort Plain replaced Fort Stanwix as the western headquarters for the defense of the Mohawk Valley, under the command of Colonel Marinus Willett., Archeological digs have confirmed the plan of the original 1779 Fort Plain. Willet expanded the fort in 1781 with a redoubt and new buildings to house as many as 600 troops. A new blockhouse designed by Major Jean de Villefranche was added in 1782 to hold 200 men. General George Washington inspected the fort on a tour of the region in 1783., Second Frame of Text:, During the American Revolution, almost half of the military actions in New York State occurred along the strategic corridor of the Mohawk Valley. In 1777 British, Native American and Loyalist battalions attacked from the west and north. Defeats at Fort Stanwix and elsewhere forced a British surrender at Saratoga, the war's turning point., The bloodshed at Oriskany in 1777 was one of many encounters between former neighbors on the battlefield. In this region the Revolution was a civil war that divided families and communities, both European and Native American. Many stayed loyal to the British King and were forced to move, forfeiting their property. The remainder took up arms or struggled to remain neutral., For seven long years enemy raids terrorized the Mohawk Valley, periodically burning the fertile farms of this "bread basket" of New York. By 1783, the region had been reduced to little more than fortified homesteads, militia posts and abandoned fields., Explore the many sides of America's revolution for independence. Visit the Revolutionary War Heritage Trail sites of the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor., Revolutionary War Heritage Sites by Regions:, Western Region , 1. Shako:wi Oneida Cultural Center, Oneida , 2. Fort Stanwix National Monument, Rome , 3. Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Oriskany , 4. Steuben Memorial State Historic Site, Remsen , 5. Oneida County Historical Society, Utica , 6. Herkimer County Historical Society, Herkimer , 7. Fort Herkimer Church, German Flatts , 8. Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Little Falls , 9. Indian Castle Church, Danube, Central Region , 10. Margaret Reaney Memorial Library, St. Johnsville , 11. Nellis Tavern, St. Johnsville 12. Fort Klock, St. Johnsville 13. Fort Plain Museum, Fort Plain , 14. Palatine Church, Town of Palatine , 15. Stone Arabia Preservation Society, Stone Arabia , 16. Van Alstyne Homestead, Canajoharie , 17. Cherry Valley Museum, Cherry Valley , 18. Johnstown: Johnson Hall State Historic Site, Battle of Johnstown, Drumm House, Tryon County Courthouse, Fort Johnstown , 19. Montgomery Co. History and Archives, Fonda , 20. Old Fort Johnson, Fort Johnson , 21. Guy Park, Amsterdam , 22. Old Stone Fort Museum, Schoharie , 23. Palatine House, Schoharie , 24. Battle of Flockey, Fultonham, Eastern Region , 25. Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction , 26. Schenectady Stockade, Schenectady , 27. Philip Schuyler Country House, Schuylerville , 28. Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater , 29. Van Schaick Mansion, Cohoes , 30. Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer , 31. Albany: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Ten Broeck Mansion ,