The story of the American Revolution at Fort Stanwix/Schuyler, guardian of the Oneida Carry, is one of many different people and people groups. Oftentimes, these stories are not only interconnected, they are sometimes more indicative of a "civil war" than a "revolution." After their stories diverged, many of these people went on to help found not just one, but two nations: the United States and Canada.
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
In winter of 1777, "Baron" Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben joined General Washington's troops at the Valley Forge encampment and put them through proper military training; creating a newer, more effective, and more professional Continental Army in the process.
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Morristown National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Robert Wilson chose to enlist as a drummer in the Continental Army at age 14. He joined his uncle's company of the 3rd NY Regiment, remained enlisted even after his uncle was horribly attacked, and eventually became one of the youngest commissioned officers in the Continental Army and accepted the British colors on behalf of the new United States of America during the Surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
Seth Rowley enlisted in the Continental Army at just age 16. He witnessed the Siege of 1777, the execution of British spy Major John Andre, and one of the last campaigns of the war in 1783.
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Morristown National Historical Park
Alexander Lemmon was an Irish immigrant who joined the Continental Army in 1775, fought in the attack of Quebec and survived the Siege of 1777. Although not many details of his life are known, the personal descriptions in his story go to show the humanity of all the forgotten soldiers of the American Revolution.
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Morristown National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Othniel Preston II joined the Continental Army in 1776. In August of 1777, he found himself in the 3rd NY Regiment and under siege by British forces. During that same time frame, his father fought and died for the British cause at the Battle of Bennington. The story of Othniel Preston and his family illustrates the complexities of the fighting during the American Revolution. Entire families ended up fighting and dying on opposite sides of the conflict.
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Saratoga National Historical Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Philip Van Cortlandt served as a commander in the Continental Army during multiple campaigns of the American Revolution. Later in life he served as a New York State assemblyman, a state senator, and as a representative for the state in the U.S. Congress,
Locations:Fort Stanwix National Monument, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Leonard Bleeker was commissioned an officer in the Continental Army in 1775. He served through the entirety of the American Revolution. As the new nation began, he worked in finance, laying the groundwork for the modern stock exchange.
Gifford was a young man when he joined the Continental Army. He witnessed and participated in the events surrounding the Siege of 1777. He later fought in the War of 1812.
Locations:Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Stanwix National Monument, Saratoga National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Offices:American Battlefield Protection Program
The man who's name became synonymous with the word "traitor" in the United States was also one of the nation's most brilliant tacticians of his day. Learn more about the life of Benedict Arnold in the following article.