Burke's Rangers facts for kids

Burke's Rangers was a special group of colonial soldiers. They were volunteers from the American colonies. Major John Burke led and organized this company in Massachusetts. This happened just before the French and Indian War. John Burke was known for his bravery and skill in fighting during that time. He often took part in battles against Native American groups. He started as a junior officer called an ensign. Later, he became a lieutenant, then a captain. By 1760, near the end of the war, he was made a major.

Why Burke's Rangers Were Formed

After a big conflict called King Philip's War, the government of Massachusetts wanted to protect its borders. They decided to give land to soldiers who had fought in the war. This was a cheap way to stop fighting with French colonists in New France. It also helped show that New England claimed these lands.

Bernardston, Massachusetts was one such frontier town. It was first called Falls Fight Township. This town was created for families of soldiers who fought in King Philip's War. A major battle, the Battle of Turner's Falls, happened there in 1676. John Burke's father was one of the veterans who received land in Falls Fight. John Burke moved there early on.

In 1734, a group of soldiers asked the Massachusetts government for land. They had fought bravely in 1676. They wanted a piece of land big enough for a new town. Their request was approved. The new town's leaders started looking for 60 families to settle there. John Burke and three other men built the first four houses in 1738. These houses were made of strong logs. They even had small holes in the walls for defense against attacks.

Life Before the War

John Burke built a strong wooden fort at his own cost. It was about 100 feet long on each side. The walls of this fort were 12 feet high. People in the settlement would go inside the fort every night. This was during times of violence between settlers and Native Americans. The fort had eight homes inside. It protected the town during attacks that started in 1745. It also helped during the later French and Indian War.

The fort was built on land traditionally belonging to the Wabanaki Confederacy. In 1746, members of the Wabanaki Confederacy attacked the fort. They wanted to make the New England settlers leave. Only two men were in the fort with Burke, but they managed to drive off the attackers. The next year, Eliakim Sheldon was shot near his father's house. Around the same time, a group of Native Americans tried to burn down another house. But Lieutenant Ebenezer Sheldon arrived just in time to help.

On March 1, 1747, Burke became an ensign. He joined a company of volunteers. These soldiers were raised to defend the frontier. This was ordered by Governor William Shirley of Massachusetts. Burke's volunteers later helped protect the Deerfield–Falltown area.

Burke's Rangers in the French and Indian War

Montcalm tries to stop Native Americans from attacking British soldiers and civilians. This happened as they left Fort William Henry.

Burke and his company played a big part in the French and Indian War, which started in 1755. The people of Falls Fight township faced many challenges. This was because their town was on land still claimed by the Wabanaki Confederacy. Native American groups attacked the town. Many colonial families moved from the frontier to safer, larger towns. The local soldiers, led by Ensign Burke, were called to serve.

Forming the Rangers

In 1757, Massachusetts decided to keep its soldiers ready all year. They did not wait for towns to ask for help. Besides the regular soldiers, 100 men worked on the eastern border. Another 45 men, led by a captain and lieutenant, patrolled west of the Connecticut River. This group was known as the Rangers. Captain John Burke commanded them. They were based at Hinsdale's Fort. Burke started gathering his company in the winter of 1756. The first 45 men included four Stockbridge Mahicans. Burke became a captain on March 30. By then, he had 70 men in his company.

The Rangers often marched through the countryside. They looked for hidden Native American groups. Sometimes they followed rivers. Other times, they climbed West River Mountain. From there, they watched for enemy campfires. To help them with their tough jobs, the Rangers were given snowshoes and moccasins.

In the winter of 1756–57, Burke's Rangers were at Hinsdale fort. There were no enemy attacks until April 20. Then, about 70 Native Americans and French soldiers appeared. They captured four men and took them to Canada. Only two of these prisoners ever returned home.

Crown Point Expedition

On April 11, 1755, Colonel Ephraim Williams asked John Burke to join his regiment. He offered Burke a captain-lieutenant position. Williams also asked Burke to find good men for an expedition. This mission was to attack Crown Point.

In August 1755, the British commander, William Johnson, marched north. He renamed Lac du Saint-Sacrement to Lake George. He did this to honor his king. On September 8, 1755, Johnson's forces fought in the Battle of Lake George. Johnson was wounded in the hip. Hendrick Theyanoguin, a Mohawk ally, was killed. Baron Dieskau, the French commander, was captured.

Some men from Bernardston joined Burke's Rangers. Among them were Caleb Chapin and his two sons, Joel and Hezekiah. They were with Colonel Williams at the Battle of Lake George. Caleb Chapin was killed there in September 1755. He was fighting bravely when he fell. His sons tried to carry him away. But he told them to save themselves. They left him, and later found him dead. A tomahawk was found in his head. This tomahawk is still kept in a museum today. Colonel Williams was also killed in the battle. His body was hidden to protect it.

This battle ended the expedition against Crown Point. The soldiers then built Fort William Henry at Lake George. This fort made the defenses stronger.

In 1757, Jonathan Carver joined Burke's Rangers. He later became a famous explorer. He also became a lieutenant in Burke's company.

Burke was present when Fort William Henry surrendered in August 1757. His company was part of Colonel Frye's regiment. After the surrender, some British soldiers and civilians were attacked. Stories say Burke survived this event with only his pants and a silver watch.

End of Burke's Rangers

In 1758, Rogers' Rangers grew much larger. Many provincial soldiers, including some from Burke's company, joined them. In April 1758, Major Rogers promoted Joseph Wait. Wait was a former corporal from Burke's company. He had fought well in the Battle on Snowshoes in March. Wait later became a captain in Rogers' Rangers.

By 1762, Burke's Rangers had been officially disbanded. After the war, Burke continued to be important in Bernardston. In 1763, he opened a tavern in the town center. The sign from Burke's tavern is still kept in a museum.

Images for kids

• 

  Montcalm tries to stop Native Americans from attacking British soldiers and civilians. This happened as they left Fort William Henry.