Local History - The American Revolution in Schoharie County

SCHOHARIE - Our student intern Wildert Marte is researching from a number of sources, including Roscoe’s 1882 history of Schoharie County, interviews with local historians, other local books, and newspaper archives. This article begins the first of this series. Any ideas of what we should write about next? Send it to us at mountaineaglenews@gmail.com.

Introduction 

Schoharie County, within present-day New York, was instrumental in the course of the American Revolution. The first settlers in the region were Germans, who provided fertile ground for the war between the colonial government loyalists, American army rebels, and their Native American allies. This work outlines how Schoharie County contributed to the war before, during, and after it, as detailed in the History of Schoharie County by William E. Roscoe. 

Before the War: Settlement and Rising Tensions 

Preceding the commencement of hostilities, Schoharie County was mainly a farming society that had been established by German immigrants as early as the 1700s. Due to its rich farmland, it was highly sought-after, whereas its strategic location in the middle of New York State made both the British and American armies struggle for its possession. As the rift between Britain and its colony escalated, Schoharie’s populace became engaged in a violent conflict that Threatened their existence. Consequently, the majority of the inhabitants of Schoharie were torn between two allegiances, with some leaning towards revolutionary sentiments while others remained loyal to the Crown. This area, therefore, became a key border zone, and military preparations were underway even before the outbreak of actual warfare. 

Start of the War: Early Conflicts and Fortifications 

The county became a hotbed of the American Revolution when it broke out in 1775. For the British, this region was critical for managing New York, while the Patriots needed it to safeguard their properties and lives as well. This article primarily focuses on the Battle of Cobleskill, which happened in 1778, where a small group from the American side fought against British loyalists who were joined by some Native Americans. This was one of many instances in which people residing in this territory experienced high levels of insecurity over time. Due to these threats, several forts, including Middle Fort and Old Stone Fort, were constructed by Americans to guarantee safety against British soldiers’ invasions. 

Middle of the War: Intense Battles and Civilian Hardships 

As regular attacks frequented Schoharie County, hardships grew during the war. In 1780, Sir John Johnson unleashed a devastating raid on the area. The fortresses erected at Middle Fort played a vital role against the Native American and British armies since they did not surrender even when outnumbered. The dependents of those affected by these onslaughts were compelled to seek refuge in fortified settlements. The military operation comprised guerrilla warfare, which

involved small skirmishes in open fields that were dangerous to both ordinary people and soldiers. Civilians had to take care of their war-torn farmsteads alone while contributing food to the fighters and handling responsibilities traditionally reserved for men. 

End of the War: Aftermath and Rebuilding 

The early 1780s marked the beginning of the end of the war; yet, Schoharie County remained exposed to attacks. Despite the British retreat, the local economy struggled to recover from the effects of the Revolution until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially ending the conflict. From there, all the inhabitants of Schoharie County began reconstructing their houses and villages. While some former Loyalists had to face hostility, many others were focused on establishing a new government following their support for the Patriots. The war left indelible marks on the county, shaping its development in the early years of a newly independent America. 

Conclusion 

In general, Schoharie County played a major part in the American Revolution by engaging in battles, constructing defenses, and managing internal conflicts. From his narratives, William E. Roscoe helps us see how difficult life was for the people of this area during that trying time. Studying what happened before, during, and after the conflict in Schoharie County can help us understand the role that local communities played in America’s fight for independence. 

The trials of Schoharie County were emblematic of many frontiers in war-torn America. The war’s end was determined by their ability to remain resilient even when pushed to the limit, with few resources available. This fact shows that even small villages played a crucial role in ensuring that America became independent. By keeping their sacrifices in memory, I gained a better understanding of the realities of the Revolutionary War and the contributions of those who, while not always on the battlefield, helped drive history forward every day.