Thursday, 14 November 2024

Defending Fort Stanwix

 Old Fort Niagara has a free zoom lecture for this on the 21 November. Check the webpage. 

In Defending Fort Stanwix, William L. Kidder tells the dramatic story of "the fort that never surrendered" and the crucial role it played in the American War for Independence. After a series of military defeats over the winter of 1776–1777, British military leaders developed a bold plan to gain control of the Hudson River and divide New England from the rest of the colonies. Three armies would converge on Albany: one under Lieutenant General John Burgoyne moving south from Quebec, one under General William Howe moving north from New York City, and a third under Lieutenant Colonel Barrimore St. Leger cutting east from Lake Ontario along the Mohawk River. Fort Stanwix lay directly on the path of St. Leger's force, making it a key defensive position for the Continental Army. By delaying St. Leger's troops and forcing a retreat, the garrison's stand at Fort Stanwix contributed to Burgoyne's surrender at the Battles of Saratoga a month later, a major turning point in the course of the war.

Kidder offers an engaging account of life in and around the fort in the months leading up to the siege, detailing the lives of soldiers and their families, civilians, and the Haudenosaunee peoples with a focus on both the mundane aspects of military life and the courageous actions that earned distinction. Defending Fort Stanwix relates the stories of local men and women, both white and Indian, who helped with the fort's defense before, during, and after the siege and showcases an exciting, overlooked story of bravery and cooperation on New York's frontier during the American Revolution.

Friday, 8 November 2024

Fort Ticonderoga event

 Join Fort Ticonderoga TOMORROW for a one-day living history event and explore how British soldiers and loyalists engaged in their final campaign at Ticonderoga in the fall of 1781. Discover how this feign of British military force was to threaten the United States, while supporting a loyalist Vermont. 

Highlighted programming throughout the day uncovers the complexities of refugees of the new United States seeking security within British territory. Explore the trades and tools employed by soldiers and sailors to make and mend anything from sails to entire barracks. Go beyond loading and firing to discuss tactical adaptations employed by the British Army as they raided along the northern frontier between the United States and Canada. See how officers and soldiers alike encamped in and around Fort Ticonderoga, which had already been in runs for nearly four years.

During an engaging presentation by Fort Ticonderoga Curator, Dr. Matthew Keagle, explore the forgotten campaign of the American Revolution and the complex politics and strategy of the Northern frontier late in the Revolutionary War.

View the full visitor schedule: https://www.fortticonderoga.org/ft_events/living-history-event-the-enemy-are-refortifying-ticonderoga/


Thursday, 7 November 2024

Tippecanoe by Richard Hook

 'Tenskwatawa, clutching his 'medicine fire', urges on Tecumseh's alliance of Woodland warriors in the ill-fated assault upon General Harrison's militia at Tippecanoe, 3.45 am, 7th November 1811'



Monday, 4 November 2024

Ranger by Ralph Mitchard

My attempt to depict a Ranger. 
 

Sketchbook 56 series

 

These were not brilliant but I would be a liar if I said we didn't use them. There was about half a dozen different titles. 


Ralph Mitchard 1996

 This is the kit I put together for recruits to put together for Compagnies franches de la Marine. The cartridge box was from the Sketchbook 56 book. 


Fort Ticonderoga event


 Join Fort Ticonderoga for a one-day living history event on Saturday, November 9th and explore how British soldiers and loyalists engaged in their final campaign at Ticonderoga in the fall of 1781. Discover how this feign of British military force was to threaten the United States, while supporting a loyalist Vermont. 

Within this last British campaign on Lake Champlain, experience the military aspect of negotiating national boundaries and peace at the end of the Revolutionary War. This untold story explains how the legacy of this war connects with us today.

Bring your family along to experience this exciting living history event during Fort Ticonderoga’s new schedule of programs during Winter Quarters season. From now through April, visitors will be immersed in a more intimate experience at Fort Ticonderoga. From lively living history events, engaging seminars, specialty programs, and hands-on workshops, explore Fort Ticonderoga during what was traditionally the “Winter Quarters” season for armies of the 18th century. 

Click the link in our bio for the full visitor schedule https://www.fortticonderoga.org/ft_events/living-history-event-the-enemy-are-refortifying-ticonderoga/


Today's anniversary St. Clair's defeat

 Read about this Native victory here


Defending Fort Stanwix

 Old Fort Niagara has a free zoom lecture for this on the 21 November. Check the webpage.  In Defending Fort Stanwix , William L. Kidder tel...