What was the Battle of Bennington, and when and where did it take place?

The Battle of Bennington was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War, forming part of the larger Saratoga campaign. It occurred on August 16, 1777, on the John Green farm in Walloomsac, New York, which is approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Bennington, Vermont. This battle was a crucial moment in the American struggle for independence.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Bennington?

The Battle of Bennington resulted in a decisive American-Vermont victory. This outcome was a major strategic success for the American cause, significantly impacting the British Saratoga campaign.

Who were the primary commanders for the American and British forces at the Battle of Bennington?

The American forces at the Battle of Bennington were primarily led by General John Stark, with Colonel Seth Warner also serving as a key commander. On the British side, Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum led the initial detachment and was killed in action, while Lieutenant-Colonel Heinrich von Breymann commanded the supporting troops.

Which belligerents participated on the American-Vermont side during the Battle of Bennington?

The American-Vermont belligerents in the Battle of Bennington included forces from the United States and the Green Mountain Boys. These groups represented the colonial efforts to resist British control.

Which belligerents fought on the British side during the Battle of Bennington?

The British side in the Battle of Bennington comprised forces from Great Britain, Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Hesse-Hanau, Brunswick-Lüneburg, and Iroquois warriors. These were a mix of regular British soldiers, German auxiliary troops (often called Hessians), and Native American allies.

What was the approximate strength of the American forces under General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner at Bennington?

General John Stark commanded an American force estimated between 2,000 and 2,500 men, primarily New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen. Colonel Seth Warner's reinforcements, consisting of Green Mountain Boys, added approximately 350 men to the American strength.

What was the approximate strength of the British forces under Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum and Lieutenant-Colonel Heinrich von Breymann?

Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's initial detachment numbered around 800 men. Lieutenant-Colonel Heinrich von Breymann's supporting troops, who arrived later, were estimated to be between 550 and 650 men. These forces included a mix of British, Hessian, Loyalist, Canadian, and Iroquois soldiers.

What were the casualties and losses for the American forces in the Battle of Bennington?

The American forces suffered relatively light casualties, with 30 killed and 40 wounded during the Battle of Bennington. This low number of losses contributed to the morale boost for the Patriot cause.

What were the casualties and losses for the British and their allies in the Battle of Bennington?

The British, Loyalist, and Iroquois forces sustained significant losses, with 207 killed and 700 captured. This substantial reduction in manpower and the capture of supplies severely weakened General Burgoyne's overall campaign.

What was the British strategic plan for dividing the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolutionary War?

The British devised a grand strategic plan to divide the Thirteen Colonies by executing a three-way pincer movement towards Albany, New York. The goal was to isolate the rebellious New England Colonies from what the British believed were the more loyal Southern Colonies, thereby breaking the colonial resistance.

How did the western and southern pincers of the British plan for Albany fail?

The western pincer, led by Barry St. Leger from Lake Ontario, was repulsed when the Siege of Fort Stanwix failed. The southern pincer, intended to advance up the Hudson Valley from New York City, never commenced because General William Howe chose instead to capture Philadelphia. These failures left the northern pincer isolated.

What was the objective of General John Burgoyne's northern pincer in the Saratoga campaign?

General John Burgoyne's northern pincer, advancing southward from Montreal, aimed to capture Albany, New York, and gain control of the Hudson River valley. This would allow his force to meet the other British pincers, effectively dividing the colonies in two and achieving a major strategic objective.

What logistical challenges did Burgoyne's advance face before the Battle of Bennington?

Burgoyne's advance towards Albany was significantly hampered by logistical difficulties, including the American destruction of a key road, which slowed his progress to a crawl. As a result, his army's supplies began to dwindle, creating a critical need for provisions and resources.

What prompted General Burgoyne to send Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum on a foraging mission to Bennington?

General Burgoyne's concern over dwindling supplies was exacerbated by news that General Howe was moving towards Philadelphia instead of advancing up the Hudson River. In response, Burgoyne acted on a proposal from Baron Riedesel, commander of his Hessian troops, to send Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum on a foraging mission to acquire horses, draft animals, and provisions, and to harass American forces.

What was the initial and revised target for Baum's foraging mission?

Baum was initially ordered to proceed to the Connecticut River valley to procure horses for Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment. However, Burgoyne later changed the objective to a supply depot at Bennington, based on intelligence reports suggesting the town was only lightly defended by demoralized militia.

What was the composition of Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's detachment?

Baum's detachment of about 800 soldiers was primarily composed of dismounted dragoons from Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment. It was reinforced by 150 local Loyalists, 58 Canadian irregulars, approximately 100 Iroquois warriors, and 48 soldiers from the British Army's Company of Select Marksmen.

How did the American forces in the New Hampshire Grants organize their defense against the British invasion?

Following the British capture of Ticonderoga, citizens of the New Hampshire Grants (present-day Vermont) appealed to New Hampshire and Massachusetts for protection. New Hampshire responded by authorizing John Stark to raise a militia, which he did, gathering 1,500 men in six days, demonstrating strong local support for the Patriot cause.

How did the American forces prepare for the battle after learning of Baum's approach?

Upon receiving reports of British-allied Indians and then Baum's approaching force, John Stark sent a request for support to Manchester and moved his troops out of Bennington to establish a defensive line. His men also destroyed a bridge to delay Baum's advance, buying crucial time for preparation.

What intelligence did Baum send to Burgoyne regarding the American forces at Bennington?

After initial skirmishes, Baum sent a message to Burgoyne indicating that the American force was larger than anticipated but likely to retreat. However, upon closer approach to Stark's position, he realized his initial assessment was incorrect and sent a second message requesting reinforcements, recognizing the greater threat.

What role did the weather play in the prelude to the Battle of Bennington?

Heavy rain for a day and a half prevented immediate battle, forcing a standoff. During this time, Baum's men constructed a small redoubt for defense, while Stark's skirmishers managed to engage British-allied Iroquois warriors despite the difficulty of keeping their gunpowder dry.

Who arrived as reinforcements for both sides on August 15, 1777?

On August 15, reinforcements marched for both sides amidst heavy rains. Burgoyne dispatched 550 men under Heinrich von Breymann to support Baum, while Colonel Seth Warner's company of about 350 Green Mountain Boys, led by Lieutenant Samuel Safford, arrived from Manchester to bolster Stark's American forces.

How did Parson Thomas Allen and the Massachusetts militiamen contribute to Stark's forces?

Late on the night of August 15, Parson Thomas Allen and a group of Massachusetts militiamen from Berkshire County arrived and insisted on joining Stark's force. Stark, after some initial hesitation due to the dark and rainy conditions, allowed them to join, further swelling his ranks and demonstrating the widespread local support for the Patriot cause.

How did Stark's men use a ruse to gain an advantage during the battle?

Stark's men employed a clever ruse by adorning their hats with bits of white paper. The Hessians, many of whom did not speak English, had been instructed not to fire on soldiers wearing white paper, believing them to be Loyalists. This deception allowed the American flanking parties to approach safely without alarming the British-allied forces.

Describe the initial phase of the Battle of Bennington when fighting broke out.

When fighting erupted around 3:00 PM on August 16, the Hessian position was immediately enveloped by intense gunfire, which General Stark described as 'the hottest engagement I have ever witnessed, resembling a continual clap of thunder.' The Loyalist and Iroquois positions were quickly overrun, leading to many fleeing or surrendering.

What happened to Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum during the battle?

Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum and his dragoons, trapped on high ground after their allies were overrun, fought valiantly. After their ammunition wagon was destroyed and their powder ran low, they resorted to hand-to-hand combat. In a desperate attempt to break through, Baum ordered a cavalry charge, but the Americans held firm, firing on the charging Hessians, which shattered their morale. Baum was mortally wounded and died shortly after.

How did the arrival of Breymann's reinforcements affect the battle?

After the initial American victory, while Stark's militiamen were disarming prisoners and looting supplies, Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann arrived with his reinforcements. Seeing the Americans in disarray, Breymann immediately launched an attack, causing Stark's forces to fall back until Colonel Warner's men arrived to reinforce them, preventing a collapse of the American lines.

What was the nature of the fighting after Breymann's arrival?

Following Breymann's arrival, a pitched battle ensued and continued until dark. Both sides eventually disengaged, with Breymann initiating a hasty retreat. He suffered heavy losses, including one-quarter of his force and all of his artillery pieces.

What was the immediate impact of the Battle of Bennington on Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign?

The Battle of Bennington had a significant and detrimental impact on Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign. He lost nearly 1,000 men, half of whom were irreplaceable regular troops, and his Native American allies largely abandoned him, severely hindering his reconnaissance efforts. The failure to acquire needed supplies further strained his already overextended British supply lines from Canada.

How did the Battle of Bennington contribute to Burgoyne's eventual defeat at Saratoga?

The Battle of Bennington's outcome, including the loss of nearly 1,000 men and critical supplies, and the desertion of Native American allies, significantly weakened Burgoyne's army. These factors collectively contributed to his eventual defeat and surrender at Saratoga, which proved to be a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

What broader international consequence did the American victory at Saratoga, influenced by Bennington, have?

The American victory at Saratoga, to which the Battle of Bennington was a crucial precursor, played a key role in bringing France into the American Revolutionary War on the American side. French entry provided vital military and financial support, transforming the conflict into a global war.

How did American Patriots react to the news of the Battle of Bennington?

American Patriots reacted to the news of the battle with widespread optimism. The victory galvanized colonial support for the Patriot cause, and with Burgoyne's Indian screen diminished, small groups of local Patriots began to emerge to harass the fringes of British positions, further disrupting their operations.

What recognition did John Stark receive for his leadership at the Battle of Bennington?

For his leadership in 'the Memorable Battle of Bennington,' John Stark received 'a compleat suit of Clothes becoming his Rank' from the New Hampshire General Assembly. More significantly, he received a message of thanks from John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, which included a commission as 'brigadier in the army of the United States,' a high honor.

What is the significance of August 16 in Vermont?

August 16 is recognized as a legal holiday in Vermont, known as Bennington Battle Day. This day commemorates the significant American victory that occurred on that date in 1777, a battle that had profound implications for the state and the broader American Revolution.

What is the Bennington Battle Monument, and when was it dedicated?

The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot (93 m) high obelisk located in Bennington, Vermont, commemorating the battle. Commissioned in the 1870s and completed in 1889, it was dedicated in 1891 with ceremonies attended by President Benjamin Harrison. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What annual tradition is associated with Bennington Battle Day?

Every year on Bennington Battle Day, there is a ceremonial firing of the Molly Stark Cannon. This cannon is notable as the oldest firing cannon in the United States and was captured by American forces during the Battle of Bennington itself.

Where is the Bennington battlefield located today, and what is its historical designation?

The Bennington battlefield is now a New York state historic site. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961, and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966, recognizing its profound historical importance.

What American militia units were identified as participating in the Battle of Bennington?

American units identified in the battle included New Hampshire Militia (Hobart's Regiment, Nichols' Regiment, Stickney's Regiment, Langdon's Company of Light Horse Volunteers, and other units), Vermont Militia (Herrick's Regiment and other units), Massachusetts Militia (Simonds' Regiment), and the Continental Army's Warner's Additional Continental Regiment.

What specific British and allied units comprised Baum's forces at Bennington?

Baum's forces included Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment, Von Breyman's Grenadier Battalion, Von Barner's Light Infantry Battalion, elements from Riedesel's, Specht's, and Von Rhetz's Musketeer Regiments, Pausch's Company of Artillery, Queen's Loyal Rangers, Company of Select Marksmen, Loyalist irregulars, Canadian irregulars, and Iroquois warriors.

What specific units comprised Breymann's reinforcing forces?

Breymann's reinforcing forces consisted of Von Breyman's Grenadier Battalion, Von Barner's Light Infantry Battalion, and Pausch's Company of Artillery. These units were sent by Burgoyne to support Baum's initial detachment.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bennington being part of the Saratoga campaign?

The Battle of Bennington was a critical engagement within the Saratoga campaign, which was a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The American victory at Bennington severely weakened General Burgoyne's forces and supply lines, directly contributing to his eventual surrender at Saratoga, which in turn encouraged France to formally ally with the American cause.

What was the British perception of the New England Colonies at the outset of their new strategy?

At the outset of their revised strategy, the British had given up on the rebellious New England Colonies. They instead focused on a plan to split the Thirteen Colonies, believing that the Southern Colonies were more loyal and could be isolated from the northern resistance.

How did the destruction of a key road by Americans impact Burgoyne's campaign?

The American destruction of a key road significantly exacerbated Burgoyne's logistical difficulties, slowing his army's advance to a crawl by late July. This action was a deliberate tactic to impede the British movement and contributed to their dwindling supplies.

What was the role of John Langdon in raising the New Hampshire militia?

John Langdon provided the necessary funds that enabled John Stark to raise 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen in just six days. This rapid mobilization was crucial for the defense of the New Hampshire Grants territory and demonstrated strong financial support for the Patriot cause.

What was the initial American defensive strategy when Baum's forces were first reported?

Upon receiving word of the approaching British-allied force, John Stark sent a detachment to investigate, which then retreated and destroyed a bridge to delay Baum's advance. Stark then moved his main body of troops out of Bennington and established a defensive line, preparing for the anticipated engagement.

Why did Baum initially believe the American force would retreat?

After minor skirmishes, Baum learned from prisoners that a sizable American force was at Bennington. However, he initially believed this force would likely retreat before his advance, leading him to send a message to Burgoyne underestimating the American resolve.

What was the condition of the Iroquois warriors during the rain-caused standoff?

During the day and a half of heavy rain before the main battle, Stark's skirmishers engaged the British-allied Iroquois warriors. Despite the difficulties of keeping their gunpowder dry in the wet conditions, the Americans managed to kill thirty Iroquois warriors, indicating the persistent skirmishing even before the full engagement.

What was the nature of the combat when Loyalists and Patriots met during the battle?

The battle was at times particularly brutal when Loyalists met Patriots, as in some cases, these individuals came from the same communities. This highlights the civil war aspect of the American Revolution, where neighbors and even families could find themselves on opposing sides.

Where were the captured British and allied prisoners taken after the Battle of Bennington?

The prisoners captured during the Battle of Bennington, initially held in Bennington, were eventually marched to Boston. This movement of a large number of prisoners demonstrated the scale of the American victory.

How did the news of the Bennington disaster spread within Burgoyne's camp?

When the first word of the battle reached Burgoyne's army on August 17, they were preparing to cross the Hudson at Fort Edward. Burgoyne initially marched his army towards Bennington, believing reinforcements might be needed, but then learned that Breymann and the remnants of his force were returning. Stragglers continued to arrive throughout the day and night, spreading word of the disaster throughout the camp.

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Battle Overview

A Defining Clash

The Battle of Bennington, a crucial engagement of the American Revolutionary War, transpired on August 16, 1777. Though named for Bennington, Vermont, the actual fighting occurred on the John Green farm in Walloomsac, New York, approximately 10 miles (16 km) from the town. This battle formed a significant part of the broader Saratoga campaign, a strategic British initiative to sever the rebellious New England colonies from the rest of the nascent United States.

Decisive American Victory

The conflict culminated in a decisive American-Vermont victory. Forces primarily composed of New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen, under the command of General John Stark, were reinforced by militiamen from the independent Vermont Republic, led by Colonel Seth Warner and elements of the Green Mountain Boys. They successfully repelled and largely defeated a detachment of General John Burgoyne's army.

British Objectives

The British detachment, numbering around 700 men, was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum, with additional support from Lieutenant-Colonel Heinrich von Breymann. Their mission was a foraging expedition to Bennington, a supply depot in the disputed New Hampshire Grants area, to acquire essential resources such as horses, draft animals, and provisions. Burgoyne and Baum, however, were critically misinformed, believing Bennington to be only lightly defended by a small, demoralized militia force.^[18]

Strategic Context

The Grand British Strategy

By 1777, the British command had shifted its focus from the New England Colonies, aiming instead to divide the Thirteen Colonies by isolating New England. This ambitious strategy involved a three-pronged pincer movement converging on Albany, New York, with the ultimate goal of controlling the Hudson River valley.^[10]

Failures and Slowdowns

The western pincer, under Barry St. Leger, failed at the Siege of Fort Stanwix.^[11] The southern pincer, intended to advance from New York City, never materialized as General William Howe opted to capture Philadelphia instead.^[12] General John Burgoyne's northern pincer initially saw success at Fort Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, and Fort Anne, but his advance towards Albany was significantly hampered by logistical challenges and American destruction of key roads, leading to dwindling supplies by late July.^[13]

The Foraging Imperative

Burgoyne's supply concerns intensified in early August upon learning of Howe's diversion to Philadelphia.^[14] Acting on a proposal from his Hessian commander, Baron Riedesel, Burgoyne dispatched a detachment of approximately 800 soldiers under Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum. The mission was to forage for horses for his dragoon regiment, draft animals for army movement, and to disrupt American activities. Initially, the target was the Connecticut River valley, but intelligence reports suggesting a lightly defended supply depot at Bennington led Burgoyne to redirect Baum's objective.^[13]^[17]

Combatant Forces

British & Allied Contingent

Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's detachment consisted of a diverse array of troops, totaling around 800 men. The core was formed by dismounted dragoons from Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment. This force was augmented by 150 local Loyalists, 58 Canadian irregulars, approximately 100 Iroquois warriors, and 48 soldiers from the British Army's Company of Select Marksmen.^[16] Their primary objective was to secure vital supplies for Burgoyne's main army.

American Patriot Militia

Unbeknownst to Burgoyne, the New Hampshire Grants territory (modern-day Vermont) had sought protection from the British invasion. In response, New Hampshire authorized General John Stark to raise a militia. Stark rapidly assembled 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen, a significant mobilization representing over 10% of the state's male population over sixteen.^[21] Stark, having previously resigned from the Continental Army due to a promotion dispute, maintained his independence, reporting solely to New Hampshire authorities, even when General Benjamin Lincoln attempted to assert Continental Army command.^[13]^[22]

Green Mountain Boys & Reinforcements

Stark proceeded to Bennington with Colonel Seth Warner as a guide, while Warner's own company of approximately 350 Green Mountain Boys remained in Manchester. These Green Mountain Boys, under Lieutenant Samuel Safford's command, would later play a critical role as timely reinforcements. Additionally, Massachusetts militiamen from Berkshire County, led by Parson Thomas Allen, insisted on joining Stark's force, further swelling the American ranks to nearly 2,000 men by the morning of the battle.^[1]^[29]

The Eve of Battle

Intelligence and Miscalculation

Baum's detachment departed Fort Edward on August 9, joined by Iroquois and Marksmen at Fort Miller, and advanced towards Bennington on August 11. Along the route, skirmishes with American forces revealed that a larger contingent than anticipated was stationed at Bennington.^[25] Baum initially reported to Burgoyne that the American force was larger but likely to retreat. However, upon nearing Stark's defensive line, he realized his error and urgently requested reinforcements from Burgoyne.^[26]

A Rain-Soaked Standoff

The subsequent day and a half were marked by heavy rain, preventing immediate engagement. During this period, Baum's men hastily constructed a small redoubt on a hill, hoping the weather would delay an American assault until Breymann's reinforcements arrived.^[5] Stark, meanwhile, dispatched skirmishers who managed to kill thirty British-allied Iroquois warriors, despite the challenges of keeping gunpowder dry in the inclement conditions.^[27]

Reinforcements Converge

Both sides saw reinforcements on August 15, struggling through the heavy rains. Burgoyne sent 550 men under Heinrich von Breymann to support Baum. Simultaneously, Warner's company of approximately 350 Green Mountain Boys marched south from Manchester. Late that night, Parson Thomas Allen and Massachusetts militiamen from Berkshire County arrived, insisting on joining Stark's force, further bolstering the American numbers and resolve.^[5]^[29]

The Battle Unfolds

Stark's Inspiring Rally

As the weather cleared on the afternoon of August 16, General Stark prepared his troops for attack. He is famously quoted as rallying his men with words emphasizing their "natural born rights as Englishmen" and declaring, "There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow."^[30] This powerful address underscored the high stakes and personal commitment of the Patriot forces.

Tactical Encirclement

Baum, observing American militia movements into the woods, mistakenly believed they were retreating or redeploying.^[32] However, Stark was executing a strategic flanking maneuver, exploiting weaknesses in the widely dispersed Hessian positions. This was aided by a clever ruse: many American militiamen wore white paper in their hats, mimicking a known Loyalist identifier, which prevented the non-English-speaking Hessians from firing on them prematurely.^[32]

Fierce Climax

The battle erupted around 3:00 PM, with the Hessian position quickly enveloped by intense gunfire, described by Stark as "the hottest engagement I have ever witnessed, resembling a continual clap of thunder."^[33] Loyalist and Iroquois positions were swiftly overrun, leading to flight or surrender. Baum and his dragoons, isolated on high ground, fought valiantly. After their ammunition wagon was destroyed and powder ran low, they resorted to desperate hand-to-hand combat. In a final, desperate act, Baum ordered a cavalry charge, but the Americans held firm, inflicting heavy casualties. Baum himself was mortally wounded, and the remaining Hessians surrendered.^[32]

Second Engagement

As Stark's militiamen were disarming prisoners and securing supplies, Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann arrived with his British reinforcements. Perceiving the American forces in disarray, Breymann immediately launched an attack. Stark's men, hastily regrouping, struggled to hold their ground against this fresh onslaught and began to fall back. However, the timely arrival of Warner's Green Mountain Boys reinforced Stark's lines, stabilizing the situation. A pitched battle ensued until nightfall, when both sides disengaged. Breymann, having lost a quarter of his force and all his artillery, commenced a hasty retreat.^[32]

Profound Impact

British Losses

The Battle of Bennington inflicted significant losses on the British and their allies: 207 dead and 700 captured. American casualties were comparatively light, with 30 killed and 40 wounded.^[7] The fighting was particularly brutal in instances where Loyalists and Patriots from the same communities clashed.^[35] The captured soldiers were eventually marched to Boston.^[36]

Burgoyne's Campaign Crippled

The strategic repercussions for Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign were profound. He lost nearly 1,000 men, half of whom were irreplaceable regular troops. Crucially, his Native American allies, who had traveled from Quebec, largely abandoned him after the defeat, severely hindering his reconnaissance capabilities.^[9] The failure to secure vital supplies further strained already overextended British supply lines from Canada, which ultimately collapsed in September.^[38]

A Turning Point

The Battle of Bennington is widely regarded as a critical turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The severe depletion of Burgoyne's forces and his logistical woes directly contributed to his eventual surrender at Saratoga.^[39] This American victory not only galvanized colonial support for the Patriot cause but also played a key role in convincing France to formally enter the war on the American side, providing crucial military and financial aid.^[40] General John Stark received a commission as "brigadier in the army of the United States" and a "compleat suit of Clothes becoming his Rank" from the New Hampshire General Assembly for his leadership.^[44]>

Order of Battle

American Units

The American forces comprised a mix of state militias and Continental Army regiments, demonstrating the decentralized yet effective nature of Patriot mobilization.

Unit	Affiliation	Approximate Strength
Hobart's Regiment of Militia	New Hampshire Militia	150
Nichols' Regiment of Militia	New Hampshire Militia	550
Stickney's Regiment of Militia	New Hampshire Militia	150
Langdon's Company of Light Horse Volunteers	New Hampshire Militia	Unknown
Other New Hampshire Militia units	New Hampshire Militia	1,000
Herrick's Regiment	Vermont Militia	300
Other Vermont Militia units	Vermont Militia	200
Simonds' Regiment of Militia	Massachusetts Militia	Unknown
Warner's Additional Continental Regiment	Continental Army (Green Mountain Boys)	350

British & Allied Units

Lieutenant-Colonel Baum's and Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann's forces represented a diverse coalition of European regulars, Loyalists, and Native American allies.

Unit	Commander	Approximate Strength
Baum's Forces
Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	205
Von Breyman's Grenadier Battalion (detachment)	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	24
Von Barner's Light Infantry Battalion (detachment)	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	57
Riedesel's, Specht's, and Von Rhetz's Musketeer Regiments (detachment)	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	37
Pausch's Company of Artillery (detachment)	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	13
Queen's Loyal Rangers	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	150+
Company of Select Marksmen	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	48
Loyalist irregulars	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	150+
Canadian irregulars	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	56
Iroquois warriors	Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum	100+
Breymann's Reinforcements
Von Breyman's Grenadier Battalion	Lt. Col. Heinrich von Breymann	353
Von Barner's Light Infantry Battalion	Lt. Col. Heinrich von Breymann	277
Pausch's Company of Artillery (detachment)	Lt. Col. Heinrich von Breymann	20

Enduring Legacy

Bennington Battle Day

The Battle of Bennington's significance is formally recognized in Vermont, where August 16 is celebrated as Bennington Battle Day, a legal holiday.^[50] This annual observance underscores the battle's enduring place in the state's history and its contribution to American independence.

Monuments and Markers

The battlefield itself, located in Walloomsac, New York, is preserved as a New York state historic site and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.^[51] In Bennington, Vermont, the towering Bennington Battle Monument, a 306-foot (93 m) obelisk completed in 1889 and dedicated in 1891, stands as a prominent memorial to the victory. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.^[53]

The Molly Stark Cannon

Each year on Bennington Battle Day, a special ceremony features the firing of the Molly Stark Cannon. This historic artillery piece, captured during the Battle of Bennington, holds the distinction of being the oldest firing cannon in the United States, serving as a tangible link to the events of 1777.^[55]

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References

Nickerson (1967), pp. 235â238. Contains a transcription of Burgoyne's order to Baum.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Bennington Wikipedia page

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The Bennington Crucible

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Battle Overview 📜

📍 A Defining Clash

🏆 Decisive American Victory

🇬🇧 British Objectives

Strategic Context 🗺️

🔗 The Grand British Strategy

🚧 Failures and Slowdowns

🐎 The Foraging Imperative

Combatant Forces 🛡️

🇬🇧 British & Allied Contingent

🇺🇸 American Patriot Militia

⛰️ Green Mountain Boys & Reinforcements

The Eve of Battle 🌧️

🕵️ Intelligence and Miscalculation

☔ A Rain-Soaked Standoff

⏳ Reinforcements Converge

The Battle Unfolds 💥

🗣️ Stark's Inspiring Rally

encirclement Tactical Encirclement

🔥 Fierce Climax

🔄 Second Engagement

Profound Impact 🌍

📉 British Losses

🛑 Burgoyne's Campaign Crippled

pivotal A Turning Point

Order of Battle 📊

🇺🇸 American Units

🇬🇧 British & Allied Units

Enduring Legacy 🏛️

🎉 Bennington Battle Day

स्मारक Monuments and Markers

cannon The Molly Stark Cannon

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References

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Battle Overview

A Defining Clash

Decisive American Victory

British Objectives

Strategic Context

The Grand British Strategy

Failures and Slowdowns

The Foraging Imperative

Combatant Forces

British & Allied Contingent

American Patriot Militia

Green Mountain Boys & Reinforcements

The Eve of Battle

Intelligence and Miscalculation

A Rain-Soaked Standoff

Reinforcements Converge

The Battle Unfolds

Stark's Inspiring Rally

Tactical Encirclement

Fierce Climax

Second Engagement

Profound Impact

British Losses

Burgoyne's Campaign Crippled

A Turning Point

Order of Battle

American Units

British & Allied Units

Enduring Legacy

Bennington Battle Day

Monuments and Markers

The Molly Stark Cannon

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice