Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Revolutionary War battlefield in Oriskany, New York.
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site is a Revolutionary War battlefield in New York situated near the Mohawk River. The grounds contain elevated terrain with ravines, walking paths, and a central obelisk memorial along with interpretive displays that guide visitors through the historic ground.
The battlefield formed from a 1777 military engagement when militia members under General Nicholas Herkimer clashed with British, Loyalist, and Indigenous forces during the Revolutionary War. The combat became notable for its extremely high casualty count and marked a turning point in the struggle for regional control.
The site marks divisions within Indigenous communities during the Revolutionary period, as visitors explore monuments and learn how families faced opposing allegiances. The landscape reflects these internal conflicts through the placement of memorials and interpretive markers scattered across the grounds.
The site is best explored on foot, with the option to walk the wooded paths independently or join guided tours led by interpreters. Visitors should prepare for variable weather and wear comfortable shoes as the terrain has slopes and uneven ground throughout.
The battlefield hosted one of the war's deadliest engagements, with casualty rates that far exceeded other Revolutionary combat. This extreme intensity arose from the brutal conditions of the ambush, where fighters developed improvised survival tactics.
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