Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

John Stark Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: John Stark: Revolutionary War Hero - Biographical and Military Career Overview

Cheat Sheet:
John Stark: Revolutionary War Hero - Biographical and Military Career Overview Study Guide

Early Life and French and Indian War Service

John Stark's military career encompassed service as a Major General in the Continental Army, alongside prior commissions within the New Hampshire Provincial Forces and the New Hampshire Militia.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Stark held significant military commissions throughout his career, including service as a Major General in the Continental Army, and previously in the New Hampshire Provincial Forces and the New Hampshire Militia.

Return to Game

Historical records indicate that John Stark was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in the year 1728.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on August 28, 1728. His father, Archibald Stark, was born in Glasgow, Scotland.

Return to Game

During a hunting expedition in 1752, John Stark was captured by Mohawk warriors and subsequently adopted into their tribe.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1752, John Stark was captured by Abenaki warriors during a hunting trip, not Mohawk warriors. He was subsequently adopted into the Abenaki tribe for a period.

Return to Game

John Stark served under Major Robert Rogers in the French and Indian War as a captain in Rogers' Rangers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While John Stark did serve under Major Robert Rogers in Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War, his initial commission was as a second lieutenant, not a captain.

Return to Game

John Stark refused to participate in the Rangers' attack on the St. Francis village because he was ordered to remain with his regiment on the frontier.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark refused to participate in the attack on the St. Francis village primarily because his foster parents resided there. He returned to New Hampshire instead.

Return to Game

Stark's service with Rogers' Rangers provided him with valuable experience in frontier warfare and reconnaissance tactics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rigorous training and combat operations undertaken with Rogers' Rangers equipped John Stark with extensive knowledge of frontier warfare, reconnaissance, and survival tactics, which proved invaluable throughout his military career.

Return to Game

John Stark served in the United States military from 1754 to 1759 and again from 1775 to 1783.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Stark's military service spanned two distinct periods: the French and Indian War (1754-1759) and the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Return to Game

During the French and Indian War, John Stark was part of the elite unit known as the Green Mountain Boys.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the French and Indian War, John Stark served with Rogers' Rangers, a distinct elite unit, not the Green Mountain Boys, who became prominent later in Vermont's history.

Return to Game

In which New Hampshire town was John Stark born?

Answer: Londonderry

Explanation: John Stark was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on August 28, 1728.

Return to Game

What Native American tribe captured John Stark during his 1752 hunting trip?

Answer: Abenaki

Explanation: During a hunting expedition in 1752, John Stark was captured by warriors of the Abenaki tribe.

Return to Game

During the French and Indian War, John Stark gained valuable experience serving under Major Robert Rogers in which renowned unit?

Answer: Rogers' Rangers

Explanation: John Stark served as a second lieutenant under Major Robert Rogers in the distinguished unit known as Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War, honing his skills in frontier combat.

Return to Game

Why did John Stark refuse to participate in the Rangers' attack on the St. Francis village?

Answer: His foster parents lived in the village.

Explanation: John Stark's refusal to participate in the attack on the St. Francis village was motivated by the presence of his foster parents within the settlement, a humanitarian concern that superseded his military orders.

Return to Game

What specific unit was John Stark a member of during the French and Indian War, known for its specialized skills?

Answer: Rogers' Rangers

Explanation: During the French and Indian War, John Stark was a member of Rogers' Rangers, an elite unit renowned for its specialized capabilities in frontier warfare and reconnaissance.

Return to Game

Continental Army Service (1775-1777)

John Stark rejoined military service immediately after the Declaration of Independence was signed in July 1776.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark rejoined military service in April 1775, shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, preceding the Declaration of Independence by over a year.

Return to Game

At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Colonel Stark positioned his men behind a fortified stone wall to repel British assaults.

Answer: False

Explanation: Colonel Stark's strategic defense at the Battle of Bunker Hill involved positioning his men behind a hastily constructed two-rail fence, stuffed with hay and grass, rather than a stone wall. He also fortified the beach area.

Return to Game

Stark's militia inflicted significant casualties on the British troops, particularly the Royal Welch Fusiliers, during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Answer: True

Explanation: The New Hampshire militia under Colonel Stark's command delivered effective volleys into the advancing British lines at Bunker Hill, causing substantial casualties, notably among the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and significantly impeding their advance.

Return to Game

John Stark and his regiment fought alongside George Washington at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the critical winter campaigns of 1776-1777, John Stark and his New Hampshire regiment were integrated into George Washington's Continental Army, participating in the pivotal victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Return to Game

John Stark resigned his Continental Army commission in March 1777 because he felt overlooked for promotion in favor of a less experienced officer.

Answer: True

Explanation: Stark's resignation stemmed from his perception of being unfairly passed over for promotion to Brigadier General in favor of Colonel Enoch Poor, whom Stark considered less experienced and less deserving of the advancement.

Return to Game

What was John Stark's highest rank achieved in the Continental Army?

Answer: Major General

Explanation: John Stark attained the rank of Major General in the Continental Army, a testament to his extensive service and leadership during the Revolutionary War.

Return to Game

What tactical advantage did Stark employ at the Battle of Bunker Hill to defend against British assaults?

Answer: Positioning his men behind a hastily built rail fence stuffed with straw and grass.

Explanation: At Bunker Hill, Colonel Stark demonstrated tactical ingenuity by fortifying his position with a two-rail fence packed with hay and grass, creating an effective defensive barrier against the British advance.

Return to Game

Which battles in late 1776 and early 1777 saw John Stark and his regiment fighting with George Washington's Continental Army?

Answer: Battles of Trenton and Princeton

Explanation: John Stark and his regiment were integral components of George Washington's army during the critical winter campaigns of 1776-1777, participating in the significant victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason for John Stark's resignation from the Continental Army in March 1777?

Answer: A promotion of a less experienced officer, Enoch Poor, over him.

Explanation: Stark's resignation was precipitated by his profound dissatisfaction with the promotion of Colonel Enoch Poor to Brigadier General, a decision Stark perceived as unjust and detrimental to experienced officers like himself.

Return to Game

How did Stark's defensive preparations at Bunker Hill demonstrate resourcefulness?

Answer: By improvising fortifications like a straw-stuffed rail fence and beach barriers.

Explanation: Stark's resourcefulness at Bunker Hill was evident in his improvisation of defensive structures, such as a straw-stuffed rail fence and barriers along the beach, which proved highly effective against British assaults.

Return to Game

Resignation and Return to Militia Command

Stark accepted a commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia on the condition that he would report directly to General Washington.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon accepting the commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia, Stark's crucial condition was that he would not be answerable to the authority of the Continental Army, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the established command structure.

Return to Game

General Benjamin Lincoln ordered Stark to reinforce the British forces near Bennington.

Answer: False

Explanation: General Benjamin Lincoln initially ordered Stark to reinforce General Philip Schuyler's army on the Hudson River. However, due to Stark's reservations about Lincoln's command, Lincoln diplomatically permitted Stark to operate independently against Burgoyne's rear.

Return to Game

When John Stark accepted a commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia, what was his key condition?

Answer: He would not be answerable to the Continental Army's authority.

Explanation: Stark's acceptance of the Brigadier General commission was contingent upon his autonomy; he stipulated that he would not be subject to the direct command or authority of the Continental Army, reflecting his prior grievances.

Return to Game

The Battle of Bennington

The appellation 'The Hero of Saratoga,' often associated with John Stark, was purportedly earned through his decisive leadership during the Battle of Bennington.

Answer: False

Explanation: While John Stark's leadership at the Battle of Bennington was pivotal, his most famous epithet is 'The Hero of Bennington,' not 'The Hero of Saratoga.' The latter is more commonly associated with Horatio Gates.

Return to Game

Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum led an expedition to Bennington to capture American supplies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary objective of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum's expeditionary force into Vermont was to secure much-needed supplies for General Burgoyne's army, which were reportedly stored in Bennington.

Return to Game

Baum's expeditionary force to Bennington included Brunswick infantry, Indians, and Loyalists, but no Hessian soldiers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Baum's force comprised Brunswick infantry, Loyalists, Canadians, and Native American allies (Indians). Crucially, Hessian soldiers were also part of the expedition, specifically tasked with manning the artillery pieces.

Return to Game

The famous quote attributed to John Stark at Bennington, 'We'll beat them before night or Molly Stark's a widow,' refers to his wife, Molly Stark.

Answer: True

Explanation: This well-known quote, expressing Stark's determination to achieve victory at Bennington, directly references his wife, Molly Stark, underscoring the personal stakes and fierce resolve of the American forces.

Return to Game

The Battle of Bennington resulted in a victory for Baum's forces, allowing them to secure needed supplies for the British.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Bennington concluded with a decisive defeat and capture of Baum's expeditionary force, preventing the British from acquiring the intended supplies and significantly weakening Burgoyne's campaign.

Return to Game

The American victory at Bennington significantly boosted morale and contributed to the subsequent surrender of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga.

Answer: True

Explanation: The strategic importance of the American victory at Bennington cannot be overstated; it bolstered Patriot morale, depleted Burgoyne's forces and resources, and played a crucial role in the eventual American triumph and the subsequent surrender at Saratoga.

Return to Game

Following his success at Bennington, John Stark was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark's pivotal role and victory at the Battle of Bennington led to his promotion to Brigadier General in the Continental Army on October 4, 1777, not Lieutenant Colonel.

Return to Game

For which battle is John Stark primarily remembered and known as 'The Hero of Bennington'?

Answer: Battle of Bennington

Explanation: John Stark earned the distinguished epithet 'The Hero of Bennington' due to his crucial command and decisive victory in the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

Return to Game

What was the objective of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum's expedition to Bennington in 1777?

Answer: To capture American military supplies.

Explanation: The expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum was dispatched with the strategic aim of confiscating American military supplies reportedly stored in Bennington, Vermont.

Return to Game

Which of the following forces were NOT part of Lieutenant Colonel Baum's expeditionary force to Bennington?

Answer: French artillerymen

Explanation: Baum's expedition included Brunswick infantry, Loyalists, Canadians, Native American allies, and Hessian soldiers who operated the artillery. French artillerymen were not part of this specific force.

Return to Game

The quote, 'There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow!', is attributed to John Stark during which battle?

Answer: Battle of Bennington

Explanation: This powerful rallying cry, invoking his wife Molly Stark, is famously attributed to General John Stark during the critical engagement at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

Return to Game

What was the immediate outcome of the Battle of Bennington for Baum's expeditionary force?

Answer: They were decisively defeated and captured.

Explanation: The Battle of Bennington resulted in the complete destruction of Baum's expeditionary force; the majority of his soldiers were killed or captured, marking a significant American victory.

Return to Game

How did the Battle of Bennington contribute to the larger American victory at Saratoga?

Answer: It boosted American morale and weakened Burgoyne's forces.

Explanation: The victory at Bennington was a critical factor in the Saratoga campaign, significantly bolstering American morale and weakening General Burgoyne's army by denying him essential supplies and manpower, thus paving the way for the eventual surrender.

Return to Game

Later Revolutionary War Service

General Stark's brigade occupied Stark's Knob after the Battle of Freeman's Farm, blocking Burgoyne's retreat towards the Atlantic coast.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Stark's brigade did occupy Stark's Knob after the Battle of Freeman's Farm, blocking Burgoyne's retreat, the route blocked was towards Lake George and Lake Champlain, not the Atlantic coast.

Return to Game

John Stark served as a judge in the court-martial that convicted British Major John André of espionage.

Answer: True

Explanation: In September 1780, John Stark was among the officers who served as a judge on the court-martial board that found Major John André guilty of espionage for his role in Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point.

Return to Game

John Stark commanded the Northern Department of the Continental Army twice during the Revolutionary War.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark commanded the Northern Department on three separate occasions between 1778 and 1781, not twice.

Return to Game

After the Battle of Freeman's Farm, General Stark's brigade occupied which strategic location to block Burgoyne's retreat?

Answer: Stark's Knob

Explanation: Following the Battle of Freeman's Farm, General Stark's brigade strategically occupied Stark's Knob, effectively severing General Burgoyne's potential retreat route towards Lake George and Lake Champlain.

Return to Game

In what judicial capacity did John Stark fulfill during the Revolutionary War?

Answer: Presiding judge in the court-martial of John André

Explanation: During the Revolutionary War, John Stark served as a judge on the court-martial convened in September 1780 to try British Major John André for espionage in connection with Benedict Arnold's plot.

Return to Game

How many times did John Stark command the Northern Department during the Revolutionary War?

Answer: Three times

Explanation: John Stark held command of the Northern Department on three separate occasions between the years 1778 and 1781.

Return to Game

What historical significance does Stark's Knob hold in relation to General Burgoyne's army?

Answer: It was occupied by Stark to block Burgoyne's retreat route.

Explanation: The occupation of Stark's Knob by General Stark's brigade after the Battle of Freeman's Farm was strategically crucial, as it effectively blocked General Burgoyne's potential retreat path towards Lake George and Lake Champlain.

Return to Game

Post-War Life and Legacy

After retiring from military service, John Stark moved to Boston, Massachusetts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon retiring from military service, John Stark returned to his farm in Derryfield, New Hampshire, a town that was later renamed Manchester.

Return to Game

John Stark is compared to the Roman statesman Cincinnatus because both men returned to farming after military service.

Answer: True

Explanation: The comparison between John Stark and the Roman figure Cincinnatus highlights a shared characteristic: both men are celebrated for their willingness to relinquish military command and return to their farms after serving their respective republics.

Return to Game

The New Hampshire state motto, 'Live Free or Die,' originated from a letter John Stark wrote in 1909.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'Live Free or Die' originated from a letter John Stark penned in 1809, not 1909, to commemorate the Battle of Bennington veterans. It was officially adopted as the New Hampshire state motto in 1945.

Return to Game

A statue of John Stark is displayed in the United States Capitol's National Statuary Hall.

Answer: True

Explanation: In recognition of his significant contributions, the state of New Hampshire donated a statue of General John Stark to the National Statuary Hall Collection within the United States Capitol building.

Return to Game

John Stark's childhood home, built by his father, is now owned by the Molly Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Answer: True

Explanation: The childhood home of John Stark, constructed by his father Archibald, is preserved and currently owned by the Molly Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Return to Game

The phrase 'Live Free or Die' originated from a letter John Stark wrote in 1809 to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'Live Free or Die' originated from a letter John Stark wrote in 1809, but it was addressed to veterans commemorating the Battle of Bennington, not Bunker Hill.

Return to Game

John Stark died at the age of 83 in 1822.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Stark passed away on May 8, 1822, at the age of 93, not 83.

Return to Game

The "Authority control" section in the source material provides biographical details about John Stark's family.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Authority control" section serves to link to external databases and cataloging systems for John Stark's biographical information, rather than providing specific details about his family.

Return to Game

Upon retiring after the war, John Stark returned to live on his farm in which New Hampshire town, later renamed Manchester?

Answer: Derryfield

Explanation: John Stark retired to his farm in Derryfield, New Hampshire. This township was subsequently renamed Manchester in 1810 in honor of the English industrial city.

Return to Game

The comparison of John Stark to the Roman figure Cincinnatus highlights which shared characteristic?

Answer: Return to farming after military service.

Explanation: The analogy between John Stark and the Roman statesman Cincinnatus emphasizes their shared virtue of returning to agricultural pursuits after concluding their military service to the state.

Return to Game

What is the origin of the New Hampshire state motto, 'Live Free or Die'?

Answer: A letter written by John Stark to Bennington veterans in 1809.

Explanation: The New Hampshire state motto, 'Live Free or Die,' derives from a letter penned by General John Stark in 1809, intended to honor the veterans of the Battle of Bennington.

Return to Game

Which of the following sites commemorates John Stark or the Battle of Bennington?

Answer: The Bennington Battle Monument

Explanation: The Bennington Battle Monument stands as a significant commemoration of the pivotal 1777 battle and John Stark's leadership during that engagement.

Return to Game