Who was John Stark and what were his primary military affiliations?

John Stark was an American military officer who served during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. He held commissions in the New Hampshire Provincial Forces, the New Hampshire Militia, and the Continental Army, eventually reaching the rank of Major General.

What is John Stark's most famous nickname, and for which battle is he primarily remembered?

John Stark is famously known as "The Hero of Bennington" for his crucial leadership and victory at the Battle of Bennington in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War.

Where and when was John Stark born, and what was his father's background?

John Stark was born on August 28, 1728, in Londonderry, New Hampshire. His father, Archibald Stark, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to parents from Wiltshire, England, and had met John's mother while living in Londonderry, Ireland.

Describe John Stark's early encounter with Native American warriors and his subsequent adoption.

In 1752, while on a hunting trip, John Stark was captured by Abenaki warriors and taken to Canada. He impressed the chief by bravely fighting back during a gauntlet, leading to his adoption into the tribe for the winter. His ransom was later paid by a government agent.

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

In 1759, John Stark refused to join Rogers' Rangers in their attack on the Abenaki village of St. Francis because his foster parents resided there. He instead returned to New Hampshire to be with his wife.

What military experience did Stark gain from his time with Rogers' Rangers that proved valuable later?

Serving with Rogers' Rangers provided John Stark with extensive combat experience and a deep understanding of the tactics and terrain of the northern frontier, knowledge he would later apply effectively during the American Revolution.

When did John Stark rejoin military service, and what was his initial role in the Revolutionary War?

John Stark returned to military service shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. He accepted a Colonelcy in the New Hampshire Militia and was given command of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment.

Describe John Stark's strategic positioning and actions during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Colonel Stark recognized the British might attempt to flank the rebel positions via the Mystic River. He skillfully positioned his men behind a hastily constructed two-rail fence stuffed with straw and grass, and further fortified the beach area, effectively repelling multiple British assaults.

How did Stark's New Hampshire militia perform against the British regulars at Bunker Hill?

Stark's militia delivered devastating volleys into the advancing British troops, particularly the Royal Welch Fusiliers, inflicting heavy casualties and breaking their charges. This unexpected and effective resistance significantly disrupted the British advance at that point on the battlefield.

What role did Stark play in the Continental Army during the campaigns of 1776-1777?

John Stark and his New Hampshire regiment were attached to the Continental Army, serving with George Washington during the critical battles of Trenton and Princeton in late 1776 and early 1777.

Why did John Stark resign his commission in the Continental Army in March 1777?

Stark resigned in disgust after learning that a fellow New Hampshire Colonel, Enoch Poor, had been promoted to Brigadier General over him, despite Stark's belief that Poor lacked combat experience and willingness to fight. Stark felt overlooked despite his own significant service.

Under what conditions did John Stark accept a commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia?

John Stark accepted the commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia on the strict condition that he would not be answerable to the authority of the Continental Army, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the promotion system.

What was General Benjamin Lincoln's order to Stark, and how did Stark respond?

Major General Benjamin Lincoln ordered Stark to reinforce Philip Schuyler's Continental army on the Hudson River. Stark refused this order, citing his distrust of Lincoln due to perceived unfair promotion, but Lincoln diplomatically allowed him to operate independently against Burgoyne's rear.

What was the objective of the British expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum to Bennington?

Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum led an expedition to Bennington, Vermont, with the objective of capturing American supplies stored there.

What forces comprised Lieutenant Colonel Baum's expeditionary force to Bennington?

Baum's force consisted of approximately 374 Brunswick infantry and dragoons, about 300 Indians, loyalists, and Canadians, and was supported by two 3-pound cannons crewed by 30 Hessian soldiers.

What famous quote is attributed to John Stark during the Battle of Bennington?

During the Battle of Bennington, John Stark is famously quoted as rallying his troops with the words, "There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow!" Another version states, "We'll beat them before night or Molly Stark's a widow."

What was the outcome of the Battle of Bennington for Baum's forces and the British expedition?

Baum's forces were decisively defeated and captured at the Battle of Bennington. The battle severely mauled the reinforcing column led by Heinrich von Breymann as well, forcing them to withdraw, and preventing the British from securing needed supplies.

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

The victory at Bennington significantly boosted American morale, prevented the British from acquiring vital supplies, and reduced the enemy's effective fighting force, all of which contributed to the subsequent American success and the surrender of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga.

What promotion did John Stark receive following his success at Bennington?

Following his pivotal role in the Battle of Bennington, John Stark was promoted to Brigadier General in the Continental Army on October 4, 1777.

What was Stark's role in cutting off General Burgoyne's retreat after the Battles of Saratoga?

After the Battle of Freeman's Farm, General Stark's brigade moved to occupy Stark's Knob, effectively blocking Burgoyne's potential retreat route towards Lake George and Lake Champlain.

What significant role did John Stark play in the court-martial of John André?

In September 1780, John Stark served as a judge in the court-martial that found British Major John André guilty of spying and aiding Benedict Arnold's conspiracy to surrender West Point to the British.

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

John Stark commanded the Northern Department three separate times between 1778 and 1781.

Where did John Stark retire after completing his military service?

After the war, John Stark retired to his farm in Derryfield, New Hampshire, which was later renamed Manchester in 1810.

What is the significance of John Stark being compared to Cincinnatus?

John Stark is compared to Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus because, like the Roman statesman, Stark is said to have genuinely retired from public life and military command after the war concluded, returning to his farm.

What famous phrase, originating from John Stark, became the New Hampshire state motto?

The phrase "Live free or die," which Stark wrote in a letter to Bennington veterans, became the official motto of New Hampshire in 1945.

What monuments and memorials commemorate John Stark and the Battle of Bennington?

The Battle of Bennington and John Stark are commemorated by the Bennington Battle Monument, a statue of Stark at the monument site, and a statue of Stark in Stark Park in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Where is John Stark's childhood home located, and who currently owns it?

John Stark's childhood home is located at 2000 Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. The home, built by his father Archibald, is now owned by the Molly Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

What historic sites are named after or related to John Stark?

Historic sites related to John Stark include his childhood home, Stark Park in Manchester (his burial site), Fort Stark in New Castle, a statue at the New Hampshire Statehouse in Concord, and another statue in front of Manchester's City Hall.

What statue representing John Stark was placed in the United States Capitol?

In 1894, the state of New Hampshire donated a statue of General John Stark for display in the National Statuary Hall within the United States Capitol.

What were the years of service for John Stark in the New Hampshire Provincial Forces and the United States military?

John Stark served in the New Hampshire Provincial Forces from 1754 to 1759 and in the United States military from 1775 to 1783.

What specific unit was John Stark a part of during the French and Indian War, known for its daring tactics?

During the French and Indian War, John Stark was a member of Rogers' Rangers, a unit known for its specialized skills in frontier warfare and reconnaissance.

What was the significance of the Isaac Royall House during the early days of the Revolutionary War for Stark?

The Isaac Royall House in Medford, Massachusetts, served as the headquarters for John Stark and his 1st New Hampshire Regiment as they arrived to support the rebels blockaded in Boston following the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

How did Stark's defensive preparations at Bunker Hill differ from standard fortifications?

At Bunker Hill, Stark's men fortified a simple two-rail fence by stuffing it with straw and grass, and created a crude barrier on the beach with rocks, demonstrating resourceful improvisation under fire rather than relying on traditional earthworks.

What personal motivation did Stark express regarding the Battle of Bennington?

Stark expressed a strong personal motivation for victory at Bennington, famously stating that his troops would defeat the enemy before nightfall, or else 'Molly Stark sleeps a widow,' referring to his wife.

What impact did Stark's actions at Bennington have on the overall British campaign led by General Burgoyne?

Stark's victory at Bennington was a significant blow to Burgoyne's campaign, depriving him of crucial supplies and manpower, and contributing to the eventual American triumph at Saratoga which led to Burgoyne's surrender.

Besides military service, what judicial role did John Stark fulfill during the Revolution?

John Stark served as a judge in the court-martial that tried British Major John André in September 1780 for his involvement in Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point.

What is the historical significance of Stark's Knob in relation to Burgoyne's army?

Stark's Knob was strategically occupied by General Stark's brigade after the Battle of Freeman's Farm, effectively cutting off General Burgoyne's retreat route towards Lake George and Lake Champlain.

When did John Stark die, and at what age?

John Stark died on May 8, 1822, at the age of 93.

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

The New Hampshire state motto, Live Free or Die, originated from a letter written by General John Stark in 1809 to fellow veterans commemorating the Battle of Bennington.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control" section at the end of the article?

The "Authority control" section provides links to various international and national databases that catalog information about John Stark, serving as a way to verify and connect biographical data across different systems.

What specific event led to Stark's capture by Abenaki warriors in 1752?

John Stark was captured by Abenaki warriors on April 28, 1752, while he was on a hunting and trapping expedition along the Baker River, a tributary of the Pemigewasset River.

How did Stark's actions during the gauntlet ritual differ from typical prisoner behavior?

Instead of passively enduring the gauntlet, Stark grabbed a stick from the first warrior, attacked him, and took the other warriors by surprise, demonstrating remarkable bravery and initiative.

What was the financial cost of Stark's ransom and that of his fellow prisoner, Amos Eastman?

John Stark's ransom cost $103 in Spanish dollars, and the ransom for his fellow prisoner Amos Eastman cost an additional $60.

What was the name of the British sloop of war that opened fire on the rebel positions at Bunker Hill?

The British sloop of war HMS Lively opened fire on the rebel fortifications on Breed's Hill as dawn broke on June 17, 1775.

Who was Captain Henry Dearborn, and what was his connection to John Stark during the Revolution?

Captain Henry Dearborn was a notable officer who served under John Stark during the American Revolution, arriving with 60 militia men from New Hampshire at the Siege of Boston. Dearborn later became Secretary of War under President Thomas Jefferson.

What was the primary reason Stark refused to obey General Lincoln's order to reinforce the Hudson River army?

Stark refused the order because he believed General Benjamin Lincoln had been unfairly promoted over him, similar to his earlier grievance with Enoch Poor's promotion, and he distrusted Lincoln's command.

What specific type of troops comprised Baum's expeditionary force, besides Brunswick infantry and Indians?

Baum's expedition also included dismounted dragoons and Hessian soldiers who manned the cannons.

What historian noted Stark's rare quality as a commander of New England militia?

Historian Mark M. Boatner noted that Stark possessed the rare and priceless quality of understanding the limitations of his militia troops, who were often untrained and undisciplined.

How many American soldiers were killed in the Battle of Bennington, according to Stark's report?

According to Stark's report, 14 Americans were killed and 42 were wounded in the Battle of Bennington.

What happened to Baum's professional soldiers after the Battle of Bennington?

After the battle, only nine men from Baum's original force of 374 professional soldiers managed to escape; the rest were either killed or captured.

John Stark Wiki: Stark's Stand: The Unyielding Resolve of a Revolutionary Hero

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Biographical Overview

John Stark

Major-General John Stark (August 28, 1728 – May 8, 1822) was a distinguished American military officer whose service spanned critical periods in North American history. He is most renowned for his pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, earning the enduring moniker "The Hero of Bennington" for his decisive leadership at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

Early Life and Captivity

Born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Stark's formative years were marked by resilience. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Derryfield (now Manchester, New Hampshire). A significant early experience occurred in 1752 when, during a hunting expedition, he was captured by Abenaki warriors. Impressing his captors with his bravery during a gauntlet run, he was adopted into the tribe, gaining invaluable insights into frontier life and Native American tactics before his ransom.

Family Life

John Stark married Elizabeth "Molly" Page, with whom he raised eleven children. His family life provided a grounding influence throughout his demanding military career. His eldest son, Caleb Stark, also served.

Service Across Eras

French and Indian War (1754-1759)

Stark honed his combat skills as a second lieutenant under Major Robert Rogers in the renowned Rogers' Rangers. This period provided him with critical experience in frontier warfare, reconnaissance, and tactical maneuvering, knowledge that would prove invaluable in the subsequent revolution.

American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

Upon the outbreak of hostilities, Stark returned to military service, accepting a Colonelcy in the New Hampshire Militia. He commanded the 1st New Hampshire Regiment and played a crucial role in key engagements, demonstrating strategic acumen and unwavering resolve.

Key Engagements

Bunker Hill (1775)

Stark's regiment arrived to reinforce the American positions on Breed's Hill. His tactical deployment, particularly his use of a fortified fence line and a low bank along the Mystic River, inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing British, significantly disrupting their assault and contributing to the costly British victory.

Trenton & Princeton (1776-1777)

Stark and his New Hampshire regiment joined General Washington's Continental Army in New Jersey. They participated in the critical surprise attacks at Trenton and the subsequent engagement at Princeton, bolstering the Continental Army's morale during a challenging period.

Battle of Bennington (1777)

This decisive victory cemented Stark's legendary status. Leading 1,492 militiamen, he confronted and defeated a detachment of Hessian troops under Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, who were seeking supplies. Stark's rallying cry, "We'll beat them before night or Molly Stark's a widow!", epitomizes his determined leadership. The victory significantly boosted American morale and contributed to the eventual surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga.

Stark's strategy involved flanking maneuvers and direct assaults against Baum's fortified position. The engagement saw the flight of allied Native American and Loyalist forces, leaving Baum isolated. The subsequent arrival of reinforcements under Colonel Seth Warner helped repel further enemy advances, securing a critical American triumph.

Saratoga Campaign (1777)

Following the victory at Bennington, Stark's brigade played a role in cutting off British General Burgoyne's retreat route towards Lake George and Lake Champlain, contributing to the strategic success of the Saratoga campaign, widely considered the turning point of the war.

Command and Rank

Military Progression

Stark's military career saw him rise through the ranks. He served as a Second Lieutenant in Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War. In the Revolutionary War, he initially accepted a Colonelcy in the New Hampshire Militia, commanding the 1st New Hampshire Regiment. Following his success at Bennington, he was promoted to Brigadier General in the Continental Army.

Northern Department Command

Stark held command of the Northern Department on three separate occasions between 1778 and 1781, overseeing critical operations in the northern theater of the war.

Court Martial Service

In 1780, Stark served as a judge in the court-martial that convicted British Major John André for his role in Benedict Arnold's conspiracy to surrender West Point.

Later Years and Legacy

Retirement and Passing

After the war, Stark retired to his farm in Derryfield, which was renamed Manchester in 1810. He passed away on May 8, 1822, at the age of 93, having lived a life dedicated to service and liberty.

The Motto "Live Free or Die"

In his later years, Stark's enduring spirit was captured in a letter to veterans commemorating the Battle of Bennington. His closing sentiment, "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils," inspired the official motto of New Hampshire, adopted in 1945.

Commemorations

Stark's legacy is honored through numerous memorials. These include the Bennington Battle Monument, statues in Bennington, Vermont, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and Fort Stark. His statue also resides in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.

Historic Sites

Birthplace and Homestead

Markers denote the vicinity of his birthplace in Derry, New Hampshire. His childhood home, built by his father Archibald, still stands at 2000 Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, now owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Parks and Forts

Manchester's Stark Park is the site of his grave. Fort Stark, named in his honor, is located in New Castle, New Hampshire. The General John Stark Memorial Bridge connects Hinsdale, NH, and Brattleboro, VT.

Statues and Monuments

Numerous statues commemorate General Stark, including one at the Bennington Battle Monument, another at the New Hampshire Statehouse in Concord, and one at Manchester City Hall. A statue also represents him in the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C.

Places Named in His Honor

Beyond specific sites, his legacy is reflected in place names across the United States, including Stark County (Illinois and Ohio), Stark Mountain (Vermont), Stark's Knob (New York), and towns such as Stark, New Hampshire, and Starkville, Mississippi, among others.

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References

Landmarks of the American Revolution: a guide to locating and knowing what happened at the sites of independence by Mark Mayo Boatner â Hawthorn Books, 1975 pp. 158â159

Dearborn, Henry; Peckham, Howard (ed.). Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn, 1775â1783. 2009. p. 5

A full list of references for this article are available at the John Stark Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional historical or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research or consultation with historical experts. Always refer to primary sources and academic analyses for definitive historical understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Stark's Stand

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Overview 📜

👤 John Stark

🏠 Early Life and Captivity

💍 Family Life

Service Across Eras 🎖️

🇫🇷 French and Indian War (1754-1759)

🇺🇸 American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

Key Engagements 💥

⛰️ Bunker Hill (1775)

❄️ Trenton & Princeton (1776-1777)

🚩 Battle of Bennington (1777)

🔗 Saratoga Campaign (1777)

Command and Rank 📈

🎖️ Military Progression

🏛️ Northern Department Command

⚖️ Court Martial Service

Later Years and Legacy 🌳

🏡 Retirement and Passing

💡 The Motto "Live Free or Die"

🏛️ Commemorations

Historic Sites 📍

🏠 Birthplace and Homestead

🏞️ Parks and Forts

🏛️ Statues and Monuments

🏫 Places Named in His Honor

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

John Stark

Early Life and Captivity

Family Life

Service Across Eras

French and Indian War (1754-1759)

American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

Key Engagements

Bunker Hill (1775)

Trenton & Princeton (1776-1777)

Battle of Bennington (1777)

Saratoga Campaign (1777)

Command and Rank

Military Progression

Northern Department Command

Court Martial Service

Later Years and Legacy

Retirement and Passing

The Motto "Live Free or Die"

Commemorations

Historic Sites

Birthplace and Homestead

Parks and Forts

Statues and Monuments

Places Named in His Honor

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice