July 31 to October 15, 1779

— One of the Revolutionary War's Largest Campaigns —

Congress and General George Washington planned a major offensive campaign against the Seneca, Cayuga, and loyalists in 1779. Washington chose Major General John Sullivan to lead the expedition up the Susquehanna River, while Brigadier General James Clinton led another, smaller expedition from Albany. When Clinton joined Sullivan at Tioga, the force totaled approximately 5,000 Continental sodiers.

The only major battle of the campaign occurred here at Newtown on August 29, 1779. Sullivan's army then proceeded through the Finger Lakes destroying more than 40 Seneca and Cayuga villages and burning vast quantities of crops. Thousands of Seneca and Cayuga refugees sought relief at British-held Fort Niagara, and that winter many died of starvation and exposure. The huge cost of caring for so many displaced Native Americans increased the war's growing unpopularity in Great Britain.

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The soldiers in Sullivan's army were surprised to find cultivated fields and beautiful orchards. Following the war many returned to settle here. Some historians contend that opening the Indian lands for settlement was General George Washington's ultimate purpose for Sullivan's expedition.

The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements, and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more.
General George Washington to General John Sullivan, May 31, 1779.

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I am clear in opinion that the cheapest... and most effectual means of opposing [the Indians and loyalists]... is to carry the war into their own country. For, supported on the one hand by the British and enriching themselves with the spoils of our peoples, they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, while we act on the defensive, whereas the direct reverse would be the consequence of an offensive war on our part.
General George Washington to Continental Congress Conference Convention, February 11, 1779.

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Show me all markers in:  Elmira, NY  |  Chemung County  |  14901  |  New York  |  United States of America

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Newtown Battlefield State Park
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Newtown

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