Revolutionary War Sites

of the Mohawk Valley

Richard Berleth in his book Bloody Mohawk and the historical novel, Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter Dumaux Edmonds both describe our home valley during the birth of our nation. The Mohawk River valley was the western frontier of New York. Residents of the region were subject to raids from the British and their Indian allies from the North into Canada and west from the Finger Lakes. Farmers in our region attempted to feed the American rebel troops. Militias defended their homes.

Great battles were fought along our valley. Among the greatest and bloodiest, was fought at Oriskany Creek, where General Nicolas Herkimer lead the Tryon Militia in an attempt to relieve a British siege at Fort Stanwix. Days later, General Herkimer died from wounds sustained from that bloody battle. Blocking the British advance at the battle at Oriskany led to the American success at Saratoga.

As a retired history teacher pointed out...

The battle at Saratoga is in many ways more important than Gettysburg. If the rebels had lost at Saratoga, the revolution would have ended. There would have been no United States and hence no Civil War.

Fort Herkimer Church	Adam Helmer's run	Fort Johnson	Fort Stanwix	Herkimer Home	Johnson Hall	July 4th	Oriksany Battlefield	Saratoga Battlefield	Steuben Memorial
Old Herkimer Church Located, off route 5S by the Mohawk River in our home town of German Flats, is the one of the oldest surviving churches in Herkimer County, NY. Fort Herkimer Church was used as outpost during the French And Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, defensive barriers were erected around the church to provide residents protection during Tory and Indian raids. French And Indian War: Living History Our town, German Flats, NY sponsors Living History events on the grounds near the historic Old Fort Herkimer Church. The upper Mohawk River Valley was the western frontier of New York in 18th century. The town sponsors French and Indian [or Seven Years] War and Revolutionary War battle reenactment. Justin, as boy scout, provided volunteer help in at least one Living History Event. *David P. Krutz;Distant Drums; North Country Books; 1997