Battle of Bennington
Capital Region
August 16, 1777
American victory
In need of horses and supplies, British General John Burgoyne sent troops to Bennington, Vermont, in August 1777. As the troops approached the Vermont border near Walloomsac, New York, Continental Army General John Stark and militia from neighboring states attacked, killing or capturing hundreds of British troops, and stopping them from getting much-needed supplies.
After the battle, many British-allied Mohawks retreated to safety in Canada.
This painting depicts troops carrying off British Commander Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Baum and Colonel Francis Pfister, who were both mortally wounded in the battle.
Battle of Bennington, by Leroy Williams, 1938, oil painting. Collection of the Bennington Museum, Bennington, Vermont.
“Position Of the Detachment under Lieut Col. Baum & Attacks of the Enemy on the 16th August at Walmscock near Benington, 1777,” by Desmaretz Durnford, c.1780. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Bennington Battlefield today. Courtesy of the National Park Service.
