Rome in Oneida County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Futile Approach

— Fort Stanwix National Monument —

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 15, 2010

1. Futile Approach Marker

Inscription. During the August 1777 Siege of Fort Stanwix, British forces dug trenches near this site. This attempt to bring their guns closer to the fort's powder magazine, located in the bastion in front of you, failed.

At the end of the three-week siege, the trench was abandoned, incomplete.

British trenches, cannons, and artillerymen were protected by fascines, bundles of brush bound tightly and set horizontally into a wall of earth.

The trenches allowed the British to move their siege guns closer to the fort and permitted the Patriots to fire at the British who were now closer. This day our Guards kept a Constant fire at those at work in the Trench. And in the Evening 12 of the best Marksmen were pick't out to harrass them when at work in the Night.
Ensign William Colbrath, August 21, 1776

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.

Location. 43° 12.706′ N, 75° 27.368′ W. Marker is in Rome, New York, in Oneida County. Marker is at the intersection of North James Street (New York State Route 26) and Liberty Street, on

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

the left when traveling south on North James Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rome NY 13440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Unknown Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); British Trenches (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort, Jr. (about 400 feet away); Powder Magazine (about 400 feet away); Rome (about 400 feet away); Surgeon’s Day Room (about 400 feet away); Orderly Room (about 400 feet away); Commandant’s Quarters (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rome.

More about this marker. This marker is part of a walking tour that goes around the outer perimeter of Fort Stanwix.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 15, 2010

2. Futile Approach Marker

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 15, 2010

3. Futile Approach Marker

View of the historical marker, at its location on the east side of North James Street, with a view of the reconstructed Fort Stanwix in the left background.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 15, 2010

4. Futile Approach Marker

View looking east, beyond the historical marker, along the Fort Stanwix walking tour trail, with the reconstructed Fort Stanwix in the right background of the picture.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 684 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.