Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Event

Location

5 Schuyler Rd, Keeseville, NY 12944, USA

Lat/Long

44.4834276, -73.4181753

Grant Recipient

Anderson Falls Heritage Society

During the American Revolution the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, and in the process initiated a conflict with one of the world’s most powerful nations. With a large, well equipped, highly trained military force, the British proved to be a formidable adversary and a threat to the colonies’ new independence.

Canada was a British stronghold used to launch offensives against the American forces during the war. In the fall of 1776 a steady stream of British ships began to flow into Lake Champlain. In an effort to slow the British advance, American General Benedict Arnold quickly assembled a handful of small ships to engage the enemy. One of the first naval battles between the British and American forces was the Battle of Valcour Island, which took place on October 11. Aided by favorable winds, the Continental Navy inflicted minor damage against the British, however, outnumbered and outgunned, the tiny American naval force experienced significant losses. A temporary abatement of hostilities occurred at nightfall.

Under the cover of darkness, the remaining American vessels retreated into the night. On October 12 the American Navy briefly took refuge and made repairs at Schuyler Island. When the British realized that the Americans escaped undetected, they pursued them. Once again, the winds favored Arnold’s retreat and his ships were able to reach Ticonderoga where they destroyed their remaining boats to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.