American Revolution Podcast: AR-SP30 Defending Fort Stanwix, with Larry Kidder

The following is an AI assisted summary of my live discussion with Larry Kidder, author of the book Defending Fort Stanwix. The discussion took place on Zoom and was open to all member of the American Revolution Podcast.

Key points from the discussion include:

Background on Fort Stanwix The fort was originally built by the British in 1758 during the French and Indian War and later abandoned. It was rebuilt by the Americans in 1776 when the revolution broke out due to the presence of loyalists in the Mohawk River Valley. The fort was strategically important as it was built in the middle of the Oneida nation, in a portage area that served as a key transportation route between the Mohawk River and Lake Ontario.
The Siege of Fort Stanwix In August 1777, General Barry St. Leger led a British force, including loyalists and Iroquois warriors, to besiege Fort Stanwix as part of a larger strategy to divide the colonies. The fort was defended by the Third New York Regiment under Colonel Peter Gansevoort, aided by Oneida allies. St. Leger's army was supposed to divert American troops from Burgoyne, but Burgoyne never made it. The fort did not surrender despite being under siege.
Key Events During the Siege St. Leger demanded the fort's surrender, but the Americans refused. An attempt to relieve the fort led to the Battle of Oriskany, a deadly civil war battle between local loyalists and patriots. A sortie by American forces under Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett resulted in the looting of British camps, which angered British Indian allies.
The Relief of Fort Stanwix Benedict Arnold spread word of a large relief force, leading St. Leger and his forces to retreat on August 22, 1777. Benedict Arnold's actions and the defense of Fort Stanwix played a crucial role in the failure of the British campaign and contributed to Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga.
Aftermath Fort Stanwix continued to be used for military purposes and as a site for conferences and treaties, including the 1784 Treaty of Fort Stanwix. The fort was eventually abandoned in 1781 due to weather damage. The fort was reconstructed in Rome, New York, during the Great Depression and became a national monument.
Civil War nature of the Revolution The podcast emphasizes the civil war aspects of the conflict, with communities and families divided, particularly in the Mohawk Valley.
The role of the Oneida The Oneida's support for the Americans was vital, and they played a key role as scouts and messengers.
Discussion of St. Ledger St. Ledger's background, motivations, and actions are examined, including his limited experience in wilderness warfare and his overconfidence.