General Nicholas Herkimer Grave Marker, Little Falls, New York

A grave marker was erected to honor the death of Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer, an American militia officer, for his services in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. When British and Loyalist forces besieged Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler), Herkimer marched with about 800 Tyron County Militia to relieve the fort. Near Oriskany Creek, his column was ambushed by a combined force of Loyalists, Hessians, and Mohawk warriors. Herkimer’s horse was shot, and he suffered a devastating leg wound.

The brigade surgeon, William Petrie, dressed Herkimer's wound in the field and placed him on a litter. The wound quickly became infected, but the decision to amputate the leg was delayed for about ten days after the battle. The operation was performed by an inexperienced surgeon, Robert Johnson, because Petrie had also been wounded in the battle and was not available. The operation went poorly, the wound bled profusely, and Herkimer died of the injury on August 17, 1777.

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.