The Battle of Bennington: A Turning Point Remembered

by John Sheaff, Walloomsac Battle Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
After the loss of Fort Ticonderoga to the British in 1777, British forces continued to pursue retreating American forces.  The British caught up with the Americans in the vicinity of Hubbardton, VT, and The Battle of Hubbardton was fought on July 7, 1777.  The result was a disaster for the Americans who suffered considerable loses, not only in terms of men and materiel but in area control as well.
The fortunes of war changed significantly for American forces on August 16, 1777 with a clear victory for the Americans at the Battle of Bennington fought in the area of Walloomsac, near today’s North Hoosick, NY.  This clear American victory helped to blunt British General Burgoyne’s plans to control the Albany area.
This battle site is well preserved in the form of the New York State Bennington Battlefield Historic Site located on New York State Route 67 near North Hoosick. This scenic and historic site is open to the public every day from 10 am until 7 pm through Labor Day at no charge.
This year on Saturday, August 13, from 12 to 5 pm, to commemorate the August 16, 1777 date, members of  local SAR and DAR Chapters will be there to answer questions, and there will be a display of art work and images depicting events of the American Revolution.  On Tuesday, August 16, at 7 pm a formal commemoration ceremony will take place.