General Nicholas Herkimer
 VITAL STATS  

Mohawk Valley connection:
Herkimer area resident

Claim to fame:
Hero in the Battle of Oriskany

Did you know?
Herkimer fought against his own brother in the Battle of Oriskany.

Quote:
"...Every male person, being in health, from 16 to 60 years of age, in this county, shall, as in duty bound, repair immediately, with arms and accouterments, to the place to be appointed in my orders, and will then march to oppose the enemy with vigor, as true patriots, for the just defense of their country."

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Photo courtesy of the Utica Public Library. General Nicholas Herkimer (1728-1777) leading a force of 800 militiamen to the relief of beseiged Ft. Stanwix, was ambushed by British and Indian forces at Oriskany. Seriously wounded in one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution, Herkimer continued to direct his men. The British withdrawal crippled their campaign in the strategic Mohawk Valley. Herkimer died of his wounds on August 17, 1777.
Photo by MICHAEL DOHERTY
A statue of General Nicholas Herkimer in Myers Park, in the village of Herkimer, is covered with snow.

Quick BIO

General Nicholas Herkimer became a hero after the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. Herkimer rallied the local settlers to aid in the defense of Fort Stanwix during a crucial period.

The army was ambushed on their way and Herkimer was injured in the leg. Despite his wound, he retained command of the militia and they held their ground.

Approximately 10 days, later Herkimer had his leg amputated, and died shortly after.

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