Schoharie County in the American Revolution facts for kids

Schoharie County is one of 62 counties in New York State. It was officially created in 1795 with its own borders. Before that, this area was part of a much larger Albany County. Over time, parts of Albany County were divided. In 1795, one of these divisions became what we now know as Schoharie County.

Even though it wasn't a county yet, the area of modern-day Schoharie County was very important during the American Revolution. Many towns here still celebrate traditions from the late 1700s. A lot of the local stories and history are connected to events from this time. People in the communities are proud of the land's history, the important people, and the events that happened here.

Schoharie County: The Revolution's Breadbasket

The land in Schoharie County was very important during the American Revolution. It was a good place for military plans and for growing food. Just like today, the Schoharie Valley had many farms. These farms grew important crops for New England. People often called the fertile valley "the breadbasket of the revolution." It was extremely valuable to the American forces. The food grown here helped feed General George Washington's Army for much of the war.

Waterways and War Strategy

The location of Schoharie County along the Schoharie Creek was also key to its history. Many battles happened in the county because of the important rivers nearby. Two major rivers, the Mohawk and Hudson, meet north of Albany, New York. This is not far from Schoharie County.

During the American Revolution, the British wanted to take control of Albany. This would give them control of the Hudson River. The Hudson River was vital for moving food and supplies for the American forces. If the British cut off this support, it would have been terrible for the American troops. The British knew taking Albany would be a huge advantage.

In 1777, three British armies planned to attack Albany. General John Burgoyne led them. Two of these armies came from Canada using the Mohawk River and Lake Champlain. Their path to Albany led them past the area now known as Schoharie County.

Local Divisions and Loyalists

The British troops advancing caused a lot of worry among local residents. The coming conflict divided the area. Many people supported fighting for a free America. However, a large group of loyalists, who supported the British King, also grew strong here.

Key Figures in Schoharie's Revolution

Many famous people from the Revolution played a part in the fighting in Schoharie. The Mohawk leader Joseph Brant (Thayendanega) was well-known during the war. He was also famous in local stories. Brant was important to the British forces. He even met with King George III.

Joseph Brant's Role

Joseph Brant was known for getting loyalists and Native Americans to join the British side. He led these troops against the American rebels for much of the war. Brant took part in many big raids and battles in New York. The rebels feared him, and the British respected him. His actions affected many small battles across the state. In the Schoharie area, Brant was involved in the Battle of Cobleskill and the Battle of the Flockey. He also led raids with Sir John Johnson in 1780.

George Mann: A Local Loyalist

Along with Brant, some local people also became known for helping the loyalist cause. George Mann, a local tavern owner, is famous in the region for supporting the British King. Mann was once a Captain in the Schohary Militia. But he switched sides and convinced others in the militia to help the Tories (loyalists). Mann's tavern was used as a meeting place for Tories and Native Americans loyal to the King.

Timothy Murphy: A Patriot Hero

While some were loyal to England, others fought for the American Revolution. A hero of the Continental Army and Schoharie County was Timothy Murphy. Murphy was a respected rifleman in Washington's army.

During loyalist and British raids, three forts were built to protect residents. This was because there wasn't enough military help against the attacks. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Forts were spread out along the Schoharie Creek. Murphy is famous for helping defend the Middle Fort during an attack. He was already a hero from the Battle of Saratoga. He helped push back attackers and kept the residents safe.

The story goes that Murphy shot at British forces who came to discuss the fort's surrender. He refused to be captured. Murphy kept firing at them, even when a higher-ranking officer told him to stop. This action made the British leaders decide to leave the fort and move on. Many stories about Murphy come from his skill as a rifleman and his strong dedication as a patriot.

Battles and Forts: Protecting the Valley

Other important events happened in the region during the conflicts. The Battle of the Flockey was a British and Loyalist attempt to take control of Albany. The Americans eventually won this battle. They were helped by the 2nd Continental Light Horse Division.

The First Cavalry Charge

This battle was important for two reasons. First, it scattered the loyalist and Native forces. Second, it was the first official cavalry charge by the United States Army.

After this battle, raids still happened in the area. Loyalists, Native Americans, and British soldiers often attacked local settlements. There wasn't a large Continental Army presence here. This gave the attackers an advantage. They burned fields, crops, and buildings. The people in these communities were left in danger and chaos. This greatly reduced the supplies for Washington's army. It also created a need to protect the people who stayed in the area. This is why the idea for the three forts along the creek came about. Strong walls and other defenses around these structures created a safe place for those threatened by raids. The forts of Schoharie County are a big part of the area's history.

Schoharie County Today: Remembering the Revolution

Today, much of the American Revolution's history is still celebrated in Schoharie County. Many historical sites and markers make the area popular for tourists.

The Old Stone Fort

Just outside the village of Schoharie is the Old Stone Fort. It is a tourist attraction and part of a museum. During the Revolution, this was the Lower Fort, reinforced with strong walls. It was built to protect local residents. Visitors can still see a cannonball hole on the outside of the building. This hole is from a loyalist and Native American raid led by Joseph Brant and John Johnson.

The Old Stone Fort still stands today. The area around it is now a museum complex. It has many buildings that show different times in the county's history.

Historic Sites and Events

Also outside the village, you can still find the restaurant and tavern "George Mann's Tory Tavern." It has been repaired and updated, but it is the same building that George Mann ran during the American Revolution.

The hero Timothy Murphy is remembered in the area through local events. For example, there is an annual Timothy Murphy 10K run. There is also a local theater called the Timothy Murphy Playhouse.