The Battle of Oriskany & Herkimer’s Militia

Learn about the Battle of Oriskany, the western door of the Saratoga Campaign. 

The Battle of Oriskany was fought on August 6, 1777 on the military road between the Oneida village of Oriska and Fort Stanwix (Schuyler) near present-day Rome, New York. American Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer led a volunteer force of 800 militia, joined by over 60 Oneida warriors, to relieve the fort, which was under siege by British-allied forces, composed of British soldiers, Jägers, local Loyalists and their Mohawk and Seneca allies. This unique battle of largely volunteer forces would later be billed as the “bloodiest battle of the Revolution.”

The program will be presented by Alexis W. Albright, historian for Oneida County and the Village of Oriskany. Albright has served as curator of the Oriskany Museum since 2018. She holds degrees in Liberal Arts and History from Mohawk Valley Community College and Clarkson University, respectively, specializing in genealogy and nineteenth century American history. Prior to returning home to Oriskany, she served as editor for the Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society in Huntsville, AL.

This program is a part of UPL's America250! Series.