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Raid on Canajohary Commemoration

A Remembrance for the Fallen Heroes

 

Please join us on Wednesday, August, 2, 2016 starting at 6:00 PM at the Fort Plain Museum located at 389 Canal Street in Fort Plain for a commemoration of the August 2, 1780 raid on Canajohary. We will remember the sacrifices of that day with speeches by local dignitaries, a wreath laying at the Museum’s flagpole dedication monument, and a musket salute by the Tryon County Militia.

Immediately following the commemoration, Wayne Lenig, a member of the Fort Plain Museum Board of Trustees, will present researched details of the 1780 Raid of Canajohary starting at 7:00 PM. The Museum will also provide light refreshments and free tours will be available.

Original accounts of the August 2^nd raid began appearing in major newspapers about two weeks after the attack. A London newspaper dated October 21, 1780 reprinted an August 17, 1780 article from Pennsylvania Gazette which stated the following:  “accounts of the damage done by the motley allies of Great Britain, up the Mohawk River, are very imperfect. It is reported they have burnt the principal part of Canajohary, a fine settlement about 36 miles from Albany.” Another accounted dated September 9, 1780 stated the following: “At the fort now called fort Ransalaer (Fort Plain), Sir John Johnson and Captain Brant have burnt 51 houses, 42 barns, 17 killed, and 52 prisoners.”

This day is also known as Women’s Day at the fort. While the Tryon County Militia was on their way to Fort Stanwix and as Joseph Brant and his allies attacked, the women and children sought protection at Fort Plain. The women decided to dress like members of the militia to give the appearance that the fort was well guarded thus leading to the fort avoiding any attacks.

For the entire day, women of all ages will receive free admission to the Fort Plain Museum and a 10% discount at the museum gift shop and book store. The museum will be open 10:00 AM to the end of our program.

For further information email info@fortplainmuseum.org

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