Futile Approach

During the August 1777 Siege of Fort Stanwix, British forces dug trenches near this site in an effort to bring their guns closer to the fort's powder magazine in the bastion ahead, but the attempt failed. Protected by fascines, bundles of brush bound tightly and set horizontally into a wall of earth, British trenches, cannons, and artillerymen advanced the siege guns closer to the fort while also allowing the Patriots to fire at the British from nearer range. At the end of the three-week siege, the trench was abandoned unfinished. Ensign William Colbrath wrote on August 21, 1776, "This day our Guards kept a Constant fire at those at work in the Trench. And in the Evening 12 of the best Marksmen were pick't out to harrass them when at work in the Night."

Rome, New York · United States