The Battle of Oswego
— War of 1812 —
Site of British Attacks on Fort Ontario, May 5-7, 1814After enduring a heavy bombardment by a British fleet under the command of Sir James Yeo, and repelling an amphibious assault on May 5, 1814, 290 men of the 3rd U.S. Artillery and 200 militia under the command of Col. George Mitchell met a landing force of about 700 British troops under the command of General Sir Gordon Drummond near this spot on May 6, 1814.
1. Spare tents are erected and the militia is positioned to make the British think that the west side is fortified. The
U.S.S. Growler is intentionally sunk to prevent capture.
2. Well-aimed cannon fire and southerly winds repel first attack, but the British regroup and launch a second assault.
3. Main British force lands east of the fort. Militia fires from positions in the woods.
4. 200 British seamen armed with pikes come ashore and storm the northwest bastion of the fort, forcing out or capturing its defenders.
5. American troops engage landing party in battle, but they are forced to fall back.
6. American flag is captured on the 4th attempt at climbing the pole. American soldiers are concealed in the fort and ditch.
7. The American defenders make a fighting retreat to the south.
Failing to find supplies and munitions destined for the American naval base at Sackets Harbor, the invaders destroyed Fort Ontario before leaving on May 7, 1814.
American losses:
13 killed, 31 wounded, 25 missing.
British losses:
19 killed, 73 wounded.
Efforts to control shipping of supplies on the lake were at the root of contests for control of Fort Ontario from 1812-1814.
< Sidebar : > Battle Timeline
May 5
6 am British fleet spotted.
USS Growler sunk.
1 pm British attack.
8 pm British move off and regroup.
May 6
6 am British ships commence cannon fire.
Noon British troops land.
Fort captured.
Americans withdraw.
May 7 British depart.
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