by America is celebrating 250 years of independence, and Herkimer College is discussing local connections.
On April 23, in RMCC Alumni Hall, many people gathered to learn how the Mohawk Valley was involved in the Revolutionary War.
Sharon Powell, Adjunct Professor of History, started the evening by talking about “Seeds of Rebellion.” Powell focused on the Palatine Germans. Her presentation had quotes from the governor during this time, Governor Burnet. Powell talked about the importance of land to the Palatine Germans and how it represented wealth.
Jeffrey Steele, Professor of History, followed with his presentation on “Fort Dayton: The Forgotten Fort.” Steele talked about where they believe the fort was, with maps to show where it could have been. He said it took from June to August to construct the fort. Even mentioning how, through journal entries, we know that lacrosse was being played there. On July 14, 1776, people learned about the Declaration of Independence. The following day, they read it completely and celebrated. George Washington and Governor George Clinton even visited the area. Eventually, the fort faded away. Steele showed what they believed the fort might have looked like. There were attempts in 2002, 2014, and 2015 to find the fort. No definitive evidence was ever found.
Logan Valerio, eighth-grade history teacher at Herkimer High School, did his presentation on “Turning Point of Oriskany: General Herkimer’s Crucial Victory in the American Revolution.” Valerio focused on General Herkimer and his sacrifice. 500 of Herkimer’s men died. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the revolution, not because of the people who died while fighting. Due to the rainstorm that happened while the battle was going on. Blood travelled down hills and into rivers. Once Valerio finished, one crowd member stood up to give a round of applause. Another shouted that he was very lively, and they saw why he teaches 8th grade.
Eric Lojba, sergeant with the New York State Police, finished the night out with the topic “The Valley: Divided and Embattled.” The Mohawk Valley was the breadbasket of the Revolution, according to Lojba. Lojba also said how the Oneida people used to call themselves the people of the standing stone.
After the presentations concluded, Dr. Lisa Elwood-Farber, Professor of English and moderator of the event, opened the panel up to questions. Some of the questions included asking Valerio if there were any British troops at the Battle of Oriskany. Another question posed to Steele was about what was done to find the fort, or what things were found in the fort. Even Elwood-Farber posed a question. Many discussions occurred as well.
To wrap up the night, people were invited to come up and talk to the panel. Ask further questions or have more discussions about what they learned. Refreshments were also available.