The Rome Historical Society (RHS) has released The British Lines, a digital tour reviewing the movement of British troops during the Siege of Fort Stanwix in 1777.
The British Campaign of 1777, also called the Saratoga Campaign or Burgoyne’s Campaign, was a three-pronged attack on New York during the Revolutionary War. Two attacks were made toward Albany from Canada and from the city of New York.
The third attack, meant to move east along the Mohawk Valley, composed of Barry St. Leger’s British army, is an integral part of Fort Stanwix’s story. This army led the 21-day siege against American-occupied Fort Schuyler (former Fort Stanwix) from August 3rd to the 23rd in present-day Rome, New York. The fort was occupied by Patriot forces from New York and Massachusetts under the command of Colonel Peter Gansevoort.
On August 22, 1777, British forces abandon the siege after hearing rumors that Patriot reinforcements were nearby and returned to Canada.
A series of videos will be available to guide the public through the British troops’ experience during the siege. The goal of this tour is to discuss important locations, people, and events of the St. Leger expedition.
The video can be found on the RHS’ YouTube Page.
For more information, call (315) 336-5870 or visit the Rome Historical Society website.
Map of Fort Stanwix in 1777 provided.
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