Saratoga Campaign > Battles of Kingston

Battles of Kingston

Background

The term "Battles of Kingston" can refer to several engagements during the American Revolutionary War, particularly those that took place in different regions named Kingston. However, the most notable engagements commonly referred to as the "Battles of Kingston" occurred in Kingston, New York, and Kingston, Ontario. Here, I will provide detailed descriptions of the engagements in Kingston, New York, and the smaller skirmishes around Kingston, Ontario.

The Burning of Kingston, New York (October 16, 1777)

Background:

• Strategic Context: In 1777, British forces under General John Burgoyne were attempting to divide the American colonies by advancing south from Canada to New York City. This campaign culminated in the pivotal Battles of Saratoga.
• Hudson River Valley: Kingston, New York, was an important American military and logistical center in the Hudson River Valley, providing a critical supply base for American forces.

The Battle and Burning of Kingston:

1. British Command:

   • British forces were led by General John Vaughan, part of a larger force under General Sir Henry Clinton aiming to relieve Burgoyne’s besieged army at Saratoga by moving up the Hudson River.

2. American Defense:

   • Kingston was lightly defended by local militia. Most Continental Army units were engaged elsewhere, primarily in the Saratoga campaign.

3. British Attack:

   • On October 16, 1777, Vaughan’s force landed near Kingston. The British quickly overwhelmed the minimal American resistance.
   • Recognizing Kingston’s strategic importance, Vaughan decided to destroy the town to disrupt American supply lines and morale.

4. Destruction of Kingston:

   • British troops systematically burned Kingston, destroying homes, government buildings, and stores of supplies. The burning was intended to cripple American logistics and weaken their resolve.
   • The destruction caused significant material loss for the American cause and left the residents of Kingston homeless as winter approached.

Aftermath and Impact:

• Strategic Consequences: Although the burning of Kingston disrupted American supply lines, it did not achieve the intended strategic goal of relieving Burgoyne, who surrendered at Saratoga on October 17, 1777.
• American Morale: The destruction of Kingston galvanized American resistance and underscored British brutality, rallying support for the Patriot cause.

Skirmishes Around Kingston, Ontario (1775-1783)

Background:

• Strategic Importance: Kingston, Ontario (then part of British Canada), was strategically located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. It served as a military and logistical hub for British operations in the Great Lakes region.

Skirmishes and Military Activities:

1. Early War Years:

   • During the early years of the war, Kingston was a base for British and Loyalist operations against American forces, including raids and supply missions.

2. Loyalist Refuge:

   • Kingston became a refuge for Loyalists fleeing the American colonies. The influx of Loyalists increased its strategic importance and led to fortification efforts by the British.

3. American Raids:

   • American forces conducted several small-scale raids and skirmishes around Kingston, aiming to disrupt British supply lines and weaken their hold on the region.
   • These engagements were typically minor but reflected the ongoing contest for control over the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.

4. Notable Skirmishes:

   • Specific skirmishes around Kingston were often localized and involved small detachments of American raiders and British defenders or Loyalist militia.
   • These encounters were characterized by hit-and-run tactics, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory.

Aftermath and Impact:

• Continued British Control: Despite American efforts, Kingston remained under British control throughout the war, serving as a key stronghold for operations in the Great Lakes region.
• Post-War Significance: After the war, Kingston continued to play a vital role as a military and commercial center in Canada, eventually becoming an important city in the province of Ontario.

Significance:

• Strategic Locations: Both Kingstons—New York and Ontario—were significant due to their strategic locations and roles in the broader military campaigns of the American Revolutionary War.
• Impact on Local Populations: The engagements in these areas had profound impacts on local populations, with Kingston, New York, experiencing significant destruction, while Kingston, Ontario, became a sanctuary for Loyalists and a focal point for military activity.
• Broader War Effort: The battles and skirmishes in these regions illustrate the widespread and multifaceted nature of the conflict, highlighting how strategic locations far from major battlefields played crucial roles in the overall war effort.

The Battles of Kingston, both in New York and Ontario, reflect the strategic importance of these locations and their roles in the complex dynamics of the American Revolutionary War.

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