In August 1777, General Herkimer took a 40 mile route for the relief of Fort Stanwix. On August 6, at the Battle of Oriskany, Herkimer's men fought St. Leger and his Indians in what was the turning point of the Revolution. Near this spot stood the beech tree that sheltered the wounded General Herkimer during the battle while he gave orders that made Saratoga possible and decided the fate of a nation.