By Brian Hudson
Fort William Henry in
New York is not the most recognized or storied historical site in American history. Still, this former British army outpost, located in the mountains of New York, carries a harrowing tale of the struggle between the British, French and natives in the New World.
Location
Fort William Henry was built in New York, on the southern shore of Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains.
History
Construction of Fort William Henry probably began in 1754, and was completed in 1755. The fort stood for only two years after being built.
Purpose
Fort William Henry was built to house British troops engaged in the French and Indian War. Its location allowed it to defend the British interests in valuable water routes, as well as to stage attacks on nearby Fort Ticonderoga, a French compound.
Seige
French forces laid siege to Fort William Henry, surrounding the fort and bombarding it with cannons. The siege lasted six days, after which British Lieutenant-Colonel George Monro surrendered to French General Louis-Joseph Montcalm.
Massacre
Retreating British troops were attacked by the Native American allies of the French. The angry allies were seeking war trophies, spoils and even captives promised to them by the French before the fight. In all, nearly 300 were British troops were killed or captured. This attack was later labeled a "massacre" by the British press, to stoke anger against the French.
Fun Fact
James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohichans," takes place during the French and Indian War, and prominently features the Fort William Henry "massacre."
Resources
About the Author:
Brian Hudson is an educator and freelance writer living in Dearborn, Mich. He has been freelancing since 1998, and in that time he has written for "DRAGON Magazine," the Role-Playing Game Association, MacFarland Publishing, and Blue Bike Books. He holds a Master of Arts in English language and literature from Central Michigan University.
