a.k.a. V.J.

Old Man Stuff

Oriskany

The Oriskany Battlefield State Historical Site is about 50 miles from my house. Despite living so close to it all these years, and despite having read a fair amount about the battle and the larger British Campaign of 1777, I had never visited the site until today.

From the National Park Service:

Considered to be a significant turning point in the War of Independence, the Battle of Oriskany, fought on August 6, 1777, has been described as one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
A sign in the park provides the broader context of the overall campaign. Gen. St. Leger’s expedition has always intrigued me for two reasons: 1. The route came down via the Oswego River, meaning the army would have passed just a short stroll away from where I now live; and 2. Barry St. Leger is just a fantastic name.
The site is smaller than I imagined and dominated by a memorial obelisk.
The broad strokes of what happened.
Herkimer’s troops were ambushed along this road.
According to some accounts, this little creek ran red with blood during the battle. Locals reportedly referred to the engagement as The Battle of Bloody Creek.
From a sign in the Visitor’s Center.
Gen. Herkimer was wounded in the leg during the battle and died ten days later. This scene of the wounded Herkimer directing his troops is from the obelisk.
Another relief from the obelisk.
It’s hard to imagine that such a quiet and idyllic place was once the scene of such bloodshed.
, ,
Vance Marriner's avatar

Posted by:

Vance Marriner

Leave a comment

About Me

Researcher. Marketer. Teacher. Father of adult children and dogs. 20th Century holdover. Central New York native. Long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan. History nerd. Traveler. Vintage advertising enthusiast. Hat wearer.

Recent Posts

Newsletter