Saratoga Campaign > Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery

Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery

Background

The Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, fought on October 6, 1777, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. These twin forts were located in the Hudson Highlands region of New York, near the confluence of the Hudson River and Popolopen Creek. The British aimed to control the Hudson River Valley and disrupt American supply lines. The battle resulted in a British victory, but the strategic gains were short-lived.

Background:

1. Strategic Importance:

   • The Hudson River Valley was a crucial strategic corridor during the American Revolutionary War, providing a vital link between New England and the rest of the American colonies.
   • Forts Clinton and Montgomery were constructed to defend this critical region. They were positioned on opposite sides of the Popolopen Gorge, with Fort Montgomery on the west bank and Fort Clinton to the south and slightly inland.

2. British Strategy:

   • In 1777, British General Sir Henry Clinton planned to move up the Hudson River to support General John Burgoyne's campaign from Canada. The goal was to divide the American colonies by controlling the Hudson River.
   • Clinton aimed to capture Forts Clinton and Montgomery to secure the river and disrupt American communications and supply lines.

3. American Defense:

   • The American forces at the forts were commanded by Governor George Clinton (brother of General James Clinton) and Brigadier General James Clinton. The garrisons were undermanned, with roughly 600 troops, mostly militia.

The Battle:

1. British Approach:

   • On October 3, 1777, Clinton's British forces, numbering around 3,000 regulars, Loyalists, and Hessians, began their advance from New York City up the Hudson River.
   • The British utilized deception to disguise their true intentions. They sent a diversionary force up the east bank of the Hudson while the main body crossed to the west bank and approached the forts from the land side.

2. Assault on Forts Clinton and Montgomery:

   • On October 6, British forces split into two columns to simultaneously attack both forts. One column, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mungo Campbell, targeted Fort Montgomery, while the other, led by Sir Henry Clinton, moved against Fort Clinton.
   • The British encountered rugged terrain and American skirmishers as they advanced, but they pressed forward with determination.

3. Battle at Fort Montgomery:

   • Fort Montgomery was attacked first. Despite fierce resistance from the American defenders, the British troops, utilizing superior numbers and discipline, managed to breach the outer defenses.
   • After several hours of intense fighting, the British overran the fort, capturing or killing many of the defenders.

4. Battle at Fort Clinton:

   • Simultaneously, British forces attacked Fort Clinton. The defenders, led by Governor George Clinton, put up a strong defense but were eventually overwhelmed by the British assault.
   • The fall of Fort Clinton followed soon after Fort Montgomery, with the surviving American defenders either captured or forced to flee into the surrounding wilderness.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. British Victory:

   • The British victory at Forts Clinton and Montgomery resulted in the destruction of both forts and the capture of valuable American supplies and artillery.
   • The British also gained temporary control of the Hudson River, allowing them to disrupt American supply lines and communications.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • Despite the tactical success, the strategic impact was limited. Burgoyne's campaign in the north ended in disaster with his surrender at Saratoga on October 17, 1777, just eleven days after the fall of the forts.
   • The British control of the Hudson River was short-lived as they were unable to capitalize on the victory and consolidate their gains.

3. American Response:

   • The loss of the forts galvanized American efforts to strengthen their defenses along the Hudson River and improve coordination among their forces.
   • The American command recognized the need for better fortifications and more effective troop deployments to defend critical points along the river.

4. Legacy:

   • The Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery highlighted the importance of controlling key geographic points and the challenges of defending such positions with limited resources.
   • It also demonstrated the resilience and determination of American forces, who continued to fight despite setbacks and losses.

Significance:

• Tactical British Success: The British achieved a tactical victory by capturing the forts and temporarily securing the Hudson River. However, the broader strategic objectives were not met due to the collapse of Burgoyne's campaign.
• American Resilience: The battle underscored the resilience and tenacity of American defenders, who fought bravely despite being outnumbered and outgunned.
• Strategic Lessons: The engagement highlighted the importance of fortifications, the need for better coordination among American forces, and the challenges of maintaining supply lines and communications in wartime.

The Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery remains a notable event in the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complexities of military strategy and the ongoing struggle for control over the vital Hudson River Valley.

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