Schohary250 Update - Fort Klock

A storm is brewing in the Palatine District!

250 years ago, a different storm was on the horizon, one that would soon beset the Palatine District and Greater Mohawk Valley region in a conflict that would be known globally as the American Revolution, but locally could be described as a civil war.

Nearly all the combatants in this Civil war were Americans, either Loyalists in support of the Crown, Patriots who supported independence from British rule, or Native Americans offering support to both sides.

The conflict in the Palatine District would not end with Cornwallis’ surrender in Virginia in October 1781, but would continue into 1783. Even after the Treaty of Paris, the British would occupy forts at Oswego and Niagara until 1796.

In 1774 the political conflicts had already begun, which would erupt into musket fire on April 19, 1775 at Lexington Green… the shot heard around the world!

And, the Mohawk Valley was part of it!

In January 1774, citizens of Schenectady raised a LIBERTY Flag, the first known liberty flag to fly in British North America,

Closer to home, in August 1774 the Committee of Safety of the Palatine District of Tryon County met in Stone Arabia at the home of Adam Loucks, and pledged support for the residents of Boston, a town under martial law and occupation by British troops.

On October 20, 1774 the 1st Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, and created the Continental Association. This action was in response to a series of Crown laws known here as the Intolerable Acts, meant to punish Boston for the Tea Party in December 1773. The Association essentially prohibited trade with Great Britain, the importation and sale of British goods. and called for the establishment of local committees of safety to implement it. The Palatine District had already created a committee!

War will reach the Mohawk Valley in 1777, and the Battle of Oriskany will be fought by the Tryon County Militia. Much has been written about this battle, but the question remains, if not for the actions of the Tryon County militia at Oriskany, would the outcome at Saratoga have been the same, leading ultimately to the creation of the United States?

How you look at something depends on where you stand. Loyalists had a much different view of who the Patriots were, looking at supporters of the American cause as rebellious traitors.

As we move into the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we encourage all to become familiar with its causes and how it impacted all in the Palatine District.

Everybody has a story to tell, and every story has two or more versions, depending on where you are viewing it from.

The Palatine District Project will help facilitate discussion and debate about the roots of the Revolution, and the creation of what we know as the United States of America.

For more information about the Palatine District Project, and to find out who you can help and participate, contact:

Bob Metzger doglock1@yahoo.com

John Osinski josinski@midtel.net