Bennington

Overview

The Battle of Bennington, Vermont, which took place on August 16, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, was a pivotal engagement between American and British forces. The battle occurred when a British detachment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, sought to seize supplies and provisions stored in Bennington by the American forces. However, they encountered fierce resistance from a combined force of American militia, led by General John Stark, and a contingent of Continental soldiers.

The battle unfolded in multiple stages, with Stark’s forces launching a successful attack on Baum’s position. Despite being outnumbered, the American militia utilized superior tactics and knowledge of the terrain to gain the upper hand. The British suffered heavy casualties and were ultimately forced to surrender, while the Americans emerged victorious. The Battle of Bennington significantly boosted American morale, depleted British forces, and hindered General John Burgoyne’s campaign to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. This victory played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the American colonists, demonstrating their determination and resilience in the face of British invasion.

Diaries and Memoirs

The Rebel Commander was General John Stark who papers are archived at the New Hampshire Historical Society, John Stark Papers, 1918.005. New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord, NH.

Other Primary Sources

Stark, Caleb, and John Stark. Memoir and Official Correspondence of Gen. John Stark: With Notices of Several Other Officers of the Revolution ; Also a Biography of Capt. Phine[h]as Stevens and of Col. Robert Rogers, with an Account of His Services in America during the “Seven Years’ War.” Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1999.

Caleb Stark, the eldest son of John Stark wrote a biograhical sketch of his father which contains a description of the Battle of Bennington. While Caleb was not in attendance, his account is based upon his father’s recollection and supported by Rebel, British and Hessian correspondence reprinted in this monograph.

Secondary Sources

Gabriel, Michael P. The Battle of Bennington Soldiers and Civilians. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2012.

Spargo, John. The Bennington Battle Monument – Its Story and Its Meaning. Rutland, Vt, The Tuttle Company.