British Invasion

During British attacks on Fort Ontario from May 5-7, 1814, after enduring a heavy bombardment by a British fleet under Sir James Yeo and repelling an amphibious assault on May 5, 1814, 290 men of the 3rd U.S. Artillery and 200 militia under Col. George Mitchell met a landing force of about 700 British troops under General Sir Gordon Drummond near this spot on May 6, 1814. Spare tents were erected and the militia was positioned to make the British think the west side was fortified, and the U.S.S. Growler was intentionally sunk to prevent capture. Well-aimed cannon fire and southerly winds repelled the first attack, but the British regrouped and launched a second assault. The main British force landed east of the fort while militia fired from positions in the woods. Two hundred British seamen armed with pikes came ashore and stormed the northwest bastion of the fort, forcing out or capturing its defenders. American troops engaged the landing party in battle but were forced to fall back. The American flag was captured on the fourth attempt at climbing the pole, and American soldiers were concealed in the fort and ditch. The American defenders then made a fighting retreat to the south. Failing to find supplies and munitions destined for the American naval base at Sackets Harbor, the invaders destroyed Fort Ontario before leaving on May 7, 1814. American losses were 13 killed, 31 wounded, and 25 missing, while British losses were 19 killed and 73 wounded. Efforts to control shipping of supplies on the lake were at the root of contests for control of Fort Ontario from 1812-1814.

Oswego, New York · United States