Six Miles Shared by Many Nations
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Europeans arrived, nations fought for control of the carry, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. In this struggle, Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.
History and Culture
For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade goods and news, as well as diseases, to others far away. When Europeans arrived they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant period in American history–a period when nations fought for control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well. In this struggle Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.
Known as “the fort that never surrendered,” Fort Stanwix, under the command of Col. Peter Gansevoort, successfully repelled a prolonged siege, in August 1777, by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian, and American Indian troops and warriors commanded by British Gen. Barry St. Leger. The failed siege combined with the battles at Oriskany, Bennington, and Saratoga thwarted a coordinated effort by the British in 1777, under the leadership of Gen. John Burgoyne, to take the northern colonies, and led to American alliances with France and the Netherlands. Troops from Fort Stanwix also participated in the 1779 Clinton-Sullivan Campaign and protected America’s northwest frontier from British campaigns until finally being abandoned in 1781.
Fort Stanwix Self Guided Cell Phone Tour
Free – It’s Easy!
Fort Stanwix National Monument is full of great stories. Some of these great stories are explored on this tour. Now, hear these stories come to life 24/7 from the convenience of your own cell phone or computer.
Tour On Your Cell Phone:
*There is no charge for this tour except for normal plan minutes
- Begin by dialing 1-315-271-2059
- Look for the and white cell phone information signs if you on site to indicate where to go, or chose from the list below.
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- 1 American Corners
- 2 The Flags of Fort Stanwix
- 3 The Fort and its Structures
- 4 The Protective Swamp
- 5 The Siege Ends and Rome Prospers
- When prompted, enter the number of the stop you wish to listen to on your cell phone (1 through 5 as indicated on the sign). Stops can be done in any the user chooses.
- Enjoy your visit and please leave comments if you wish
