Step back in time and explore the hallowed grounds where pivotal moments of the American Revolution unfolded: at the Battle of Fort Anne! Amidst the scenic backdrop of the Hudson River and historic farmland you’ll find Fort Ann, a sleepy town with a history that stretches back before the founding of our nation.

Journey with us back into 1777 as we explore how The Battle of Fort Anne changed the course of history, and how we can explore its lasting legacy even in the modern day.

Since 1689, the Fort Anne region (then part of the colonial frontier) has been home to several forts, controlled by both the French and English at different points in history. During the French and Indian War, the British built the first official fortification with the name ‘Fort Anne,’ a name later adopted by the town as ‘Fort Ann.’

In the summer of 1777, as British General John Burgoyne advanced south from Canada with his formidable army, western Washington County (then Charlotte County) became a crucial point of contention. With its location on Wood Creek (a vital waterway connecting Lake Champlain to the Hudson River), control of Fort Ann meant control of a key logistical artery. The American forces, though outnumbered and outgunned, understood the region’s strategic significance in delaying Burgoyne’s march and providing valuable time for the Continental Army to regroup further south.

Yet on July 8, 1777, the quiet forests around Fort Ann erupted with the sounds of musket fire. These would become the alarms announcing the Continental Army’s first major encounter with British General Burgoyne.

After being forced out of Fort Ticonderoga, American forces had split in two, each fighting against their British pursuers. Of these, one group fought in the Battle of Skenesborough near Lake Champlain, while the other fought in the Battle of Hubbardton. Afterward, Captain James Gray reorganized over 200 Patriots and led them south to fortify Fort Ann.

As the armies began to take position, 400 Patriot reinforcements (led by Colonel Henry Van Rensselaer) arrived, boosting the morale of the soldiers. Then, on the morning of July 8, the battle began. Though not a large-scale engagement, the four-hour-long Battle of Fort Anne was one of the first one-on-one tests pitting the world’s largest military against the world’s newest. In a densely forested area, fighting atop what would come to be known as Battle Hill, the battle between the scrappy Continentals and the well-trained British seemed at a stalemate.

However, as the Continental Army made its final push to overcome the British, the tide quickly turned in the British army’s favor after a successful deception performed by Captain John Money. While the captain ultimately failed to rally a large group of Native American allies to help the British, the small group he did gather rushed through the forest shouting war cries, forcing the Americans to retreat for fear of being outnumbered. Running low on ammunition, the Americans then made the tactical decision to abandon Fort Ann, retreating even further to Fort Edward.

Despite their eventual defeat in the Battle of Fort Anne, the Americans inflicted significant casualties on the British. Interestingly enough, both sides claimed victory in the battle, as the British had successfully stood their ground, while the Americans had nearly forced them to surrender.

This fierce resistance successfully delayed Burgoyne’s progress, forcing him to spend valuable days recuperating and enduring further harassment from American militia. Eventually, this delay proved instrumental in the ultimate American victory at Saratoga.

Want to know more? Dive deeper into the details of the Battle of Fort Anne.

Today, visitors to the Fort Ann battlefield site can experience a sense of the courage and sacrifice that defined this moment in history. While the original forts no longer stand, interpretive markers help set the scene as you view where the battle took place.

Imagine the movements of the soldiers, the sounds of the conflict, and the strategic decisions made in this very spot. The peaceful surroundings now belie the intense struggle that once transpired here, offering a contemplative space for reflection on the origins of American independence.

Of course, this historic legacy is held dear by the town of Fort Ann to this very day!

Just a stone’s throw from the battlefield, the historic town of Fort Ann offers a delightful complement to your historical exploration! The town itself has a rich past, evolving from a frontier outpost to a vibrant community. Stroll back in time as you wander through its streets and discover charming architecture, local businesses, and a welcoming atmosphere!

Paying homage to the town’s historic roots, Battle Hill Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of local flavor! From its decor to its menu, this popular local restaurant and brewery invites guests to “step into a world where history meets hops, where the spirit of rebellion is brewed into every batch.” Nearby, you can also visit the site of the Old Well, built before the American Revolution after about 1,000 British soldiers died from drinking the waters of Wood Creek.

You can learn more about the town’s development, its connection to the surrounding agricultural landscape, and how it has preserved its unique heritage. Local museums and historical societies often provide additional insights into the area’s history, offering artifacts and stories that bring the past to life.

Looking for more fun things to do around Fort Ann? Get a first-person look at the area’s history by exploring Old Champlain Lock 16, 17 & 18, follow the Turning Point Trail audio tour, or visit the Fort Ann Historical Society at the Old Stone House Library! If you’re looking to soak in the scenery of this beautiful Hudson Valley region, you may want to explore popular hikes such as Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Shelving Rock Mountain and Falls and Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob, or paddle or hike along the Champlain Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail.

For more casual fun, you may want to book some tee time at the Hartford Greens Country Club or explore the two 18-hole mini golf courses (and ice cream!) available at Hillbilly Fun Park. Furthermore, the adults in your party may enjoy a stop to taste the spirits of either the Lake George Distilling Company or Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, both just a short drive away from the heart of Fort Ann.

A visit to Fort Ann, both the battlefield and the town, is an enriching experience for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking to connect with America’s foundational story. It’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of heroes, gain insight into the intricacies of revolutionary warfare, and appreciate the resilience of the human spirit. We invite you to explore the echoes of 1777 in Washington County!

If you’re looking for even more adventures on historic grounds, you’ll find many unforgettable experiences across our region of the Upper Hudson Valley! Dive deeper into the past at our memorable museums, or relax and check out our scenic golf courses, world-class wineries, and unique artistic excursions.

Of course, you’ll also find welcoming places to stay, from unique historic stays to traditional bed & breakfasts. You may also want to check out our hiking, fishing, learning, and shopping opportunities. No matter what you choose, you’ll love exploring the incredible variety of experiences Washington County has to offer!