Saratoga Campaign > Battle of Oriskany

Battle of Oriskany

Background

The Battle of Oriskany, fought on August 6, 1777, was a significant and bloody engagement during the American Revolutionary War. This battle took place in the Mohawk Valley of New York and was part of the larger Saratoga Campaign. It involved American Patriot forces, primarily local militia, clashing with a mixed force of British Loyalists and their Iroquois allies. The battle is notable for its intensity and the heavy casualties suffered by both sides.

Background:

1. Saratoga Campaign:

   • The British strategy in 1777 aimed to split the American colonies by gaining control of the Hudson River Valley. General John Burgoyne advanced south from Canada, intending to meet up with British forces moving north from New York City.
   • Part of Burgoyne's plan involved a western thrust led by Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger, who was to advance from Lake Ontario through the Mohawk Valley, capturing Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler) and joining Burgoyne at Albany.

2. Fort Stanwix:

   • St. Leger’s force laid siege to Fort Stanwix, defended by American troops under Colonel Peter Gansevoort. The fort's position was crucial for controlling the Mohawk Valley and maintaining American communication and supply lines.

3. American Relief Effort:

   • To relieve the besieged Fort Stanwix, General Nicholas Herkimer led a force of approximately 800 militia from Tryon County, New York. This militia was composed of local farmers and townsmen, many of whom were of German and Dutch descent.

The Battle:

1. Ambush Preparation:

   • St. Leger, aware of Herkimer's approach, dispatched a force of around 450 Loyalists and about 500 Iroquois warriors, led by Joseph Brant and Captain John Butler, to ambush the American relief column.
   • The ambush site was a narrow ravine near Oriskany Creek, a natural chokepoint that would hinder the movement of Herkimer's men and give the attackers a significant advantage.

2. Initial Ambush:

   • On the morning of August 6, 1777, Herkimer's column entered the ravine, and the British and Iroquois forces launched their surprise attack. The ambush was devastating, causing significant casualties and throwing the American column into disarray.
   • Herkimer was wounded early in the battle but refused to leave the field, directing his men from under a tree where he continued to issue orders.

3. Fierce Fighting:

   • The battle quickly devolved into brutal hand-to-hand combat. The dense forest and the element of surprise initially gave the Loyalists and Iroquois the upper hand.
   • American forces, fighting in small groups, gradually regrouped and mounted a stubborn defense. The fighting was intense and chaotic, with no clear front lines.

4. Turning the Tide:

   • A sudden thunderstorm interrupted the battle, giving both sides a brief respite. During this pause, Herkimer's men managed to form a defensive perimeter, allowing them to repel subsequent attacks more effectively.
   • The arrival of a detachment of American soldiers from Fort Stanwix, who launched a sortie against the British camp, further disrupted the attackers and forced many to withdraw.

5. Aftermath of the Battle:

   • The battle lasted for several hours, and the heavy casualties on both sides eventually led to the withdrawal of the British and Iroquois forces. The American relief column, although battered and bloodied, managed to hold the field.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • The Battle of Oriskany was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Revolutionary War, with heavy casualties on both sides. American losses were estimated at around 450 killed, wounded, or missing, roughly half of Herkimer's force.
   • British Loyalist and Iroquois casualties were also significant, with many killed and wounded during the fierce fighting.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • Although the battle was tactically inconclusive, it disrupted St. Leger's plans and weakened his force. The delay and the losses suffered by the British and their allies contributed to the eventual failure of St. Leger's siege of Fort Stanwix.
   • The defense of Fort Stanwix and the relief effort at Oriskany prevented St. Leger from advancing to join Burgoyne, isolating Burgoyne's forces and contributing to the American victory at Saratoga.

3. Impact on Iroquois Confederacy:

   • The battle exacerbated divisions within the Iroquois Confederacy, as the Mohawk, Seneca, and other tribes who supported the British suffered heavy losses. These internal conflicts weakened the confederacy and affected their ability to maintain a unified stance during the remainder of the war.

4. Legacy and Patriot Morale:

   • The bravery and tenacity shown by the American militia at Oriskany became a symbol of Patriot resolve. The battle demonstrated the willingness of local militias to fight and endure significant hardships in defense of their homes and territory.
   • General Nicholas Herkimer, who died of his wounds shortly after the battle, became a martyr and hero, further galvanizing support for the Patriot cause in the Mohawk Valley and beyond.

Significance:

• Resilient Defense: The Battle of Oriskany highlighted the resilience and determination of American forces, particularly local militias, to stand up to well-coordinated British and Loyalist forces.
• Strategic Impact: The battle played a crucial role in thwarting the British strategy during the Saratoga Campaign, contributing to the eventual American victory at Saratoga and the turning point in the Revolutionary War.
• Cultural and Historical Legacy: The battle remains a significant event in American history, symbolizing the sacrifices made by Patriot forces and the complexities of alliances and conflicts during the war.

The Battle of Oriskany is remembered as a testament to the courage and endurance of American forces in the face of overwhelming odds, contributing to the broader success of the Saratoga Campaign and the eventual independence of the United States.

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

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources