Northeast Coast campaign (1756) facts for kids
The Northeast Coast campaign of 1756 was a series of attacks during the French and Indian War. This war was a big conflict between Great Britain and France in North America. During this campaign, the Wabanaki Confederacy launched raids. The Wabanaki were a group of Native American nations. They attacked British towns along the border of what was then New England and Acadia. Today, this area is part of Maine.
Contents
Why Did the Campaign Happen?
This campaign was part of a longer conflict. Before 1756, there had been many smaller attacks. These attacks were often between Native American groups and British settlers. The French supported their Native American allies. This was a way to protect their lands and influence.
Building Forts for Protection
To protect their settlements, the British built several forts. These forts were along the Kennebec River. This river was once the border of Acadia. Important forts included Fort Halifax in Winslow. There was also Fort Shirley in Dresden. And Fort Western was built in Augusta.
Fort Halifax was finished in 1754. Soon after, attacks on the fort began. Wabanaki warriors captured some soldiers. In response, more British troops were sent to the fort. The 1756 campaign followed earlier attacks in 1755.
What Happened During the 1756 Campaign?
The 1756 campaign involved many attacks on British settlements. Many British settlers were killed during this time. The attacks spread across different areas.
Raids on British Settlements
- On March 24, warriors attacked Cushing. Two men were killed there.
- In North-Yarmouth, one man was captured. Another man was killed at Flying Point. A woman was also captured there.
- On May 3, three men were ambushed. One was taken prisoner to Canada. He later died in Halifax.
- On May 14, about 20 warriors led by Chief Poland attacked two more men. One of them was killed.
- At Georgetown, warriors killed two parents. Their three children were taken captive. The fort itself was attacked but not captured. However, all the cattle on the island were killed.
Attacks on Forts and Ships
Warriors also attacked British soldiers and ships.
- Four warriors attacked Fort Halifax. They killed two soldiers there.
- Fishing boats were also targeted. Their crews were killed.
- On September 26, a schooner (a type of boat) was burned at St. Georges. Three men died, and three others went missing.
- On October 14, warriors attacked Captain Rouse’s ship. Ten of his crew members were killed.
As a result of these attacks, many British settlers left their homes. They abandoned their farms and property. British soldiers were stationed in garrisons. Two British ships patrolled the eastern coast.
What Happened Next?
The fighting continued in the years that followed. There were more campaigns in 1757 and 1758.
Continued Skirmishes
- In 1757, Anasunticook warriors attacked Captain Lithgow's group in Topsham. Two soldiers were wounded, and two were killed. Two warriors also died in this fight.
- They then attacked a blockhouse at Pleasant Point. One person was killed there.
- On June 1, a family on Island Matinicus was attacked. They defended their home for ten days. The father was killed, and the rest of the family was captured. Their house was destroyed.
Boishebert's Expedition
- On August 13, 1758, a French officer named Boishebert led a group of 400 soldiers. This group included Acadians. They marched from Miramichi, New Brunswick.
- They attacked farms near Fort St. George (Thomaston) and Fort Western (Augusta). They destroyed property but could not capture the forts.
- They also raided Munduncook (Friendship). Eight British settlers were wounded, and others were killed.
