Saratoga Campaign > Battle of Bennington

Battle of Bennington

Background

The Battle of Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War, particularly within the context of the Saratoga Campaign. This battle took place near Bennington, Vermont (though the actual site is in present-day Walloomsac, New York). The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the American forces, greatly undermining the British strategy in the campaign led by General John Burgoyne.

Background:

1. Saratoga Campaign:

   • British General John Burgoyne aimed to cut off New England from the other American colonies by advancing south from Canada through the Hudson River Valley. As part of his strategy, Burgoyne sought to capture supplies and rally Loyalist support.
   • Burgoyne's forces had advanced to the Hudson River but were running low on supplies. He dispatched a detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum to raid Bennington, where he believed there were substantial supplies and a Loyalist militia that would join his forces.

2. American Defense:

   • The American forces in the region were commanded by General John Stark, a veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Continental Army. Stark's force consisted of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts militia, totaling around 2,000 men.
   • Colonel Seth Warner and his Green Mountain Boys were also in the area and would play a crucial role in the upcoming battle.

The Battle:

1. Forces Involved:

   • British Forces: Lieutenant Colonel Baum commanded approximately 800 men, including Brunswick dragoons, Loyalist militia, Canadian volunteers, and Native American allies.
   • American Forces: General Stark's militia force numbered about 2,000 men, well-equipped and motivated to defend their territory.

2. Initial Movements:

   • On August 14, 1777, Baum’s force approached Bennington but encountered American scouts and fell back to a defensive position near the Walloomsac River, where they began constructing a redoubt.
   • Stark, informed of Baum’s approach, mobilized his militia and moved to engage the British force.

3. Engagement:

   • On August 16, Stark's forces attacked Baum's position. Stark reportedly declared to his men, "There are your enemies, the Redcoats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow."
   • The American militia launched a coordinated assault on Baum's entrenched position. The attack was carried out in waves, with different groups targeting the flanks and rear of Baum's redoubt.

4. Baum's Defense and Reinforcements:

   • Baum's force fought tenaciously, but the American militia's numbers and aggressive tactics began to overwhelm the defenders. Baum himself was mortally wounded in the fighting.
   • A relief force of about 550 men, led by Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Breymann, arrived later in the day. However, by the time Breymann's force engaged, Baum’s position had already been overrun.

5. American Counterattack:

   • The Americans, now reinforced by Colonel Warner's Green Mountain Boys, turned their attention to Breymann’s force. After a fierce engagement, Breymann's troops were also forced to retreat.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • The British and their allies suffered significant losses, with about 200 killed and wounded and around 700 captured. American casualties were relatively light, with approximately 30 killed and 40 wounded.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The Battle of Bennington was a major blow to Burgoyne’s campaign. The loss of Baum’s detachment and the failure to secure supplies left Burgoyne’s army weakened and demoralized.
   • The victory at Bennington bolstered American morale and encouraged further resistance against British forces.

3. Impact on Saratoga Campaign:

   • The defeat at Bennington contributed to the difficulties Burgoyne faced as he advanced toward Saratoga. The loss of men and supplies, combined with increasing American resistance, set the stage for the eventual British surrender at the Battles of Saratoga in October 1777.

4. Boost to Patriot Cause:

   • The American victory at Bennington demonstrated the effectiveness of militia forces and their ability to inflict significant damage on British regulars and their allies. It also galvanized support for the Patriot cause in New England and beyond.

Significance:

• Turning Point in the Saratoga Campaign: The Battle of Bennington was a critical turning point that weakened Burgoyne’s forces and disrupted his plans to advance unimpeded through the Hudson River Valley.
• Demonstration of American Resolve: The battle showcased the determination and capability of American militia forces, proving that they could achieve decisive victories against British regulars and their allies.
• Strategic Impact: The defeat at Bennington contributed to the eventual American victory at Saratoga, which in turn secured French support for the American Revolution, greatly influencing the overall outcome of the war.

The Battle of Bennington remains a significant and celebrated event in American Revolutionary history, symbolizing the resilience and strategic ingenuity of the Patriot forces in their fight for independence.

Saratoga Campaign Battles

• Battle of Bennington
• Battle of Fort Anne
• Battle of Hubbardton
• Battle of Oriskany
• Battles of Forts Clinton and Montgomery
• Battles of Saratoga
• First Battle of Saratoga
• Second Battle of Saratoga
• Burning of Kingston
• Siege of Fort Ticonderoga

Sources

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