The Stand Against Burgoyne
Town of Fort Ann, Washington County, New York
Marker Inscription
Dedicated to the colonials who fought during the Battle of Fort Anne
The Story
In the summer of 1777, British General John Burgoyne drove south from Canada down the Champlain–Hudson corridor, intending to cut the rebellious colonies in two. After the American withdrawal from Fort Ticonderoga, retreating colonial troops turned to fight their pursuers here on July 8, 1777, in the sharp woodland action remembered as the Battle of Fort Anne. Though the outnumbered defenders ultimately fell back, their stand was one of a string of stubborn delaying fights that slowed and wore down Burgoyne's advancing army.
Why it matters
These fighting retreats bought time and steadily bled Burgoyne's forces, helping set the stage for his surrender at Saratoga that autumn — the American victory that convinced France to enter the war.
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Related people
- · John Burgoyne
Related events
- · Battle of Fort Anne
- · Saratoga Campaign
Themes & tags
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