Battle of La Prairie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of La Prairie
Part of King William's War and the Beaver Wars
Date August 11, 1691 Location La Prairie, near Montreal, New France Result English attack repulsed by French
Belligerents
France	England
Commanders and leaders
Louis-Hector de Callière, Philippe Clément du Vuault de la Valrennes	Major Pieter Schuyler
Strength
700-800 marines, militia and First Nations allies	120 Albany militia, 146 Mohawk and Mahican allies
Casualties and losses
45 killed 60 wounded	37 dead 31 wounded
National Historic Site of Canada
Official name: Second Battle of Laprairie National Historic Site of Canada
Designated:	1921

The Battle of La Prairie happened on August 11, 1691. It was an attack on a French settlement called La Prairie. This place was in New France, which is now Canada. An English force, along with their Iroquois allies, came from Albany, New York. They wanted to attack Montreal. However, the French and their First Nations allies fought them off. The English attack was stopped, and both sides had many casualties.

Why the Battle Happened

In the summer of 1691, a group of soldiers led by Major Pieter Schuyler decided to invade French lands. They moved along the Richelieu River, which is south of Montreal.

The local French governor, Louis-Hector de Callière, quickly gathered his forces. He brought together 700 to 800 French soldiers and their allies. They gathered at Fort Laprairie. This fort was on the south side of the Saint Lawrence River.

The Fight Begins

On August 11, Major Schuyler's force surprised the French. It was just before dawn and raining heavily. Schuyler's men attacked the larger French force. They caused many injuries and deaths before pulling back towards the Richelieu River.

Schuyler's group might have gotten away easily. But then, another French force stopped them. This group had 160 men. They were led by Philippe Clément du Vuault de la Valrennes. Valrennes's men had been sent to block the road to Chambly.

The two sides then fought fiercely. It was a close, hand-to-hand battle. The fighting lasted for about an hour. Finally, Schuyler's force managed to break through the French lines. They were then able to escape.

What Happened Next

The French had more casualties during Schuyler's first surprise attack. However, Schuyler's Albany force lost more soldiers after Valrennes's counterattack. This meant the English side had a greater number of overall losses.

Because of these losses, Schuyler could not continue his raids. He had to retreat back to Albany. The battle site where Valrennes fought was later recognized. In 1921, it became a National Historic Site of Canada.