As General John Burgoyne’s British Army advanced deeper into New York in the summer of 1777, his supply line lengthened, making it more difficult to obtain supplies, especially given the wretched roads in the area. Living off the land was not an option as the Continental Army destroyed any provisions they could not carry off as they retreated. With the situation growing desperate, Burgoyne dispatched a detachment to capture a stockpile of supplies at Bennington. On August 16, these troops walked into a buzzsaw in the form of Colonel John Stark and 2,000 angry New Hampshire militiamen spoiling for a fight.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses how British missteps would lead to an unmitigated disaster at the Battle of Bennington, and why it still matters today.

Photo Credits:
New York Public Library
British Library
Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
Brown University Library
The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia
National Army Museum
The National Guard

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