The Battle For The Fourteenth Colony: A Forgotten Nook of American History

In the annals of American history, the events surrounding the battle for the Fourteenth Colony have largely been overshadowed by the more prominent conflicts that shaped the nation. However, the significance and intensity of this battle deserve recognition as it provides crucial insights into the struggle for independence and the complex dynamics of the American Revolutionary War. Step back in time with us as we delve into the forgotten nook of history that is the Fourteenth Colony.

The Background: What is the Fourteenth Colony?

Before we dive deep into the accounts of the battle, it's essential to understand the historical context surrounding the Fourteenth Colony. This lesser-known region was composed of the present-day state of Vermont, the northeastern part of New York, and parts of New Hampshire's Connecticut River Valley. These territories were fiercely contested among various claimants, including New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and even competing land companies.

The Fourteenth Colony was of utmost significance due to its strategic location. Control over this region granted access to key trade routes, including the vital waterways of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. Moreover, its fertile land and natural resources provided economic opportunities that were coveted by all parties involved. These factors set the stage for a fiercely fought battle for control over this frontier territory.

The Battle for the Fourteenth Colony: America’s War of Liberation in Canada, 1774–1776

by Mark R. Anderson(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	564 pages
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The Rivalries: New York vs. New Hampshire

One of the most significant rivalries in the struggle for the Fourteenth Colony emerged between New York and New Hampshire. Both colonies claimed sovereignty over the disputed territory, leading to frequent clashes and legal battles. This rivalry only intensified as the Revolutionary War approached when control over these borderlands became even more crucial.

The conflicting claims extended to land grants issued by both colonies, resulting in widespread confusion and disputes among settlers. The competing land companies also added another layer of complexity to the situation, as they sought to profit from the fertile land in the region. It is in this atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty that the battle for the Fourteenth Colony would unfold.

The Spark: The Green Mountain Boys

At the heart of the battle for the Fourteenth Colony stood an extraordinary group of militia known as the Green Mountain Boys. Led by their charismatic leader, Ethan Allen, this ragtag band of frontiersmen played a pivotal role in shaping the conflict. With a deep-rooted loyalty to Vermont, the Green Mountain Boys fought fiercely against the claims of both New York and New Hampshire, defending their homeland from those seeking to seize control.

The Green Mountain Boys' most famous exploit was their daring capture of Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775. This strategic victory provided them with vital artillery that would later play a crucial role in the battles of Saratoga. Their relentless determination and formidable fighting skills made them a force to be reckoned with, but the road to victory would not be easy.

The Battle: The Ticonderoga Campaign

The Ticonderoga Campaign unfolded in the summer of 1777 and was a pivotal moment in the battle for the Fourteenth Colony. On one side stood the British forces, supported by loyalists and Native American allies, while on the other side, the Green Mountain Boys fought alongside American troops under the command of General Arthur St. Clair.

The battle was fought for control over Fort Ticonderoga, a key stronghold guarding the crucial Lake Champlain region. The British sought to seize this strategic location to secure their supply and communication lines, while the American forces were determined to defend their territory at all costs.

The clash was brutal and intense, with both sides displaying remarkable resilience and tactical prowess. The Green Mountain Boys, using their intimate knowledge of the rugged terrain, launched daring attacks against the British forces, inflicting heavy casualties and stalling their advance. However, the British eventually gained the upper hand, overwhelming the defenders and ultimately capturing the fort.

The Fallout: A Legacy Remembered

While the outcome of the Ticonderoga Campaign may have seemed like a defeat for the American forces, it proved to be a turning point in the battle for the Fourteenth Colony. The resilience and bravery displayed by the Green Mountain Boys rallied support for the American cause and showcased the determination of those fighting for independence.

Following the battle, Vermont was formally declared an independent republic in 1777, remaining separate from the United States until 1791. The legacy of the Fourteenth Colony lives on in the spirit of self-determination and the belief in the right to resist oppression—lessons that continue to resonate throughout American history.

The Battle Remembered

The Battle for the Fourteenth Colony may have been forgotten in the wider scope of American history, but its significance should not be underestimated. This lesser-known conflict sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by those fighting for independence and control of the frontier territories. The struggle for the Fourteenth Colony reveals a story of rivalries, strategic maneuvering, and the resilience of those determined to forge their path to freedom.

As we reflect on this forgotten chapter of history, let us remember the sacrifices made and the lessons learned from the Battle for the Fourteenth Colony—an often overlooked yet invaluable piece of the American Revolutionary War.

The Battle for the Fourteenth Colony: America’s War of Liberation in Canada, 1774–1776

by Mark R. Anderson(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	564 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

In this dramatic retelling of one of history’s great “what-ifs,” Mark R. Anderson examines the American colonies’ campaign to bring Quebec into the Continental confederation and free the Canadians from British “tyranny.” This significant reassessment of a little-studied campaign examines developments on both sides of the border that rapidly proceeded from peaceful diplomatic overtures to a sizable armed intervention. The military narrative encompasses Richard Montgomery’s plodding initial operations, Canadian partisan cooperation with officers like Ethan Allen, and the harrowing experiences of Benedict Arnold’s Kennebec expedition, as well as the sudden collapse of British defenses that secured the bulk of the province for the rebel cause. The book provides new insight into both Montgomery’s tragic Québec City defeat and a small but highly significant loyalist uprising in the rural northern parishes that was suppressed by Arnold and his Canadian patriot allies. Anderson closely examines the evolving relationships between occupiers and occupied, showing how rapidly changing circumstances variously fostered cooperation and encouraged resistance among different Canadian elements. The book homes in on the key political and military factors that ultimately doomed America’s first foreign war of liberation and resulted in the Continental Army’s decisive expulsion from Canada on the eve of the Declaration of Independence. The first full treatment of this fascinating chapter in Revolutionary War history in over a century, Anderson’s account is especially revealing in its presentation of contentious British rule in Quebec, and of Continental beliefs that Canadiens would greet the soldiers as liberators and allies in a common fight against the British yoke. This thoroughly researched and action-packed history will appeal to American and Canadian history buffs and military experts alike.