Skenesborough

While retreating from Mount Independence, Col. Pierse Long’s force of mixed Continental troops and families joined forces with Capt. James Gray’s soldiers at Skenesborough. The British navy pursued and engaged the Americans at Skenesborough, while three regiments attempted and failed to cut off the route of escape for the Americans. The American forces fled south and burned their ships and supplies while retreating.

In capturing Skenesborough and other small settlements between Fort Ticonderoga and Albany, Gen. John Burgoyne intended to cut off all communication between the coast and inland New York. Burgoyne was also attempting to maintain control of the Lake Champlain region. Gen. Burgoyne’s victory at Skenesborough only added to his belief that his campaign would be a complete success.