In the green hills of East Hubbardton, during the early morning hours of July 7, 1777, there was fought one of the most successful

Annual reenactments depict the heroic stand of the Green Mountain Boys.

rear guard actions in the annals of American military history. The Battle of Hubbardton was the only battle of the American Revolution which took place entirely on Vermont soil.

American Major General Arthur St. Clair, retreating from Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, had left at Hubbardton some 1,000 to 1,200 men to form a rear guard. By this maneuver, St. Clair hoped to escape southeasterly with his weary and tattered main army.

The small force remaining at Hubbardton was comprised of Vermont’s Colonel Seth Warner with a detachment of his Green Mountain Boys; a detail of Massachusetts militia under Colonel Ebenezer Francis; and Colonel Nathan Hale commanding the 2nd New Hampshire Continental Regiment.

The pursuing British units of

THE MONUMENT Public recognition of the historic Hubbardton Battlefield began at least as far back as 1859 when a local group erected the large monument, located just south of the present entrance gate. It is constructed from Vermont marble and surrounded by a cast iron fence. The monument marks the place where Colonel Ebenezer Francis was supposedly buried by the British troops.      The leadership qualities and bravery under fire, shown by Colonels Warner and Francis during the conflict, had earned the highest respect of their adversaries. General von Riedesel, a veteran of many European campaigns, had especially admired these two youthful American officers. When Francis’ body was found after the battle, Baron von Riedesel personally saw to it that this gallant young Colonel received a Christian burial, with full military honors rendered by a detachment from the Brunswick troops.

Lieutenant General John Burgoyne’s Army were seasoned Regulars, far superior to the Americans in equipment and supplies. Some 850 men were led by Brigadier General Simon Fraser, one of Burgoyne’s best line officers. Fraser was ably supported by a detachment of 200 or so Brunswick troops under Major General Baron von Riedesel, a thoroughly competent field officer.

About dawn, on the morning of the Battle, the stage was set for the events that followed.

The main body of General St. Clair’s troops were halted two miles down the road towards Castleton. Warner’s rear guard troops were encamped in the vicinity of what is now called Monument Hill, with the mission to hold their ground until the main body could move on.

As expected, the British pursued the retreating Colonials along the military road from Mount Independence to Hubbardton. The course of the road is still clearly visible on the hillside across the valley from Monument Hill.

Visitors can view the reenactors' encampments.

As the British column reached Sucker Brook, the Americans attacked. Thus began the Battle of Hubbardton, which was to give the British a startling exposure to the Americans’ courage in battle and the tactical skill which would eventually lead to their defeat.

Immediately following the first encounter, the Americans retired to positions atop Monument Hill, an excellent location for a defensive action. The British deployed and attacked the Hill but were immediately repulsed and even pursued in their retreat to their former position.

The Americans returned to the hilltop and again the British attacked and were repulsed. Thus the Battle continued for over an hour as the British attempted to encircle the Americans and they in turn consolidated their positions to the fence line east of the Military Road.

At this point the Brunswick troops under von Riedesel reached the scene and immediately attacked on the American right. Colonel Francis received a mortal wound during the Brunswick attack. By this time, General St. Clair’s troops had advanced toward Castleton, and the rear guard had accomplished its purpose of delaying the British so that the American troops could move on. One of the most difficult phases of a rear guard action is to disengage from the enemy and move out without being exposed to pursuit and additional casualties. This was accomplished with the same competence that the Americans had exhibited throughout the Battle.

The act of withdrawal has often been construed as a defeat. Actually the Americans had done precisely what was required by them in a rear guard action. They had fought the fully deployed enemy to a standstill and had given their main force time to move on. They had done so with skill and courage. Warner’s men left the field with not only a tactical, but a great moral victory.

So heavy were the losses inflicted upon General Fraser’s command, that he gave up the pursuit of St. Clair’s Army and returned to Mount Independence and Fort Ticonderoga. Thus Burgoyne’s plan to separate New England from the other Colonies was foiled in its first stage. The Battle of Hubbardton involved approximately 2,130 troops and resulted in a total of about 580 casualties, or roughly 27 percent of all participating troops. It marked the beginning of the end for General “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne, who surrendered three months later at Saratoga, with his entire Army of some 8,000 men.

The full history of the Hubbardton Battle is skillfully retold in the book by Colonel John Williams, The Battle of Hubbardton, The American Rebels Stem the Tide. See also a story developed for young readers by Middlebury College for students to explore the colonial/revolutionary period of Vermont history.

Constructed in 1970, the Visitors Reception Center houses a museum. An interpretive exhibit with period artifacts places the battle in its Revolutionary War context. A three-dimensional fiber optic map details the various phases of the Battle. A diorama of the Battle, constructed by Vermont artist Paul V. Winters, is on display. This fine creative work shows the Battle of Hubbardton in its furious early stages.

HOURS

Open late May through mid-October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (802) 759-2412 - During open hours call: (802) 273-2282 E-mail: Elsa.Gilbertson@state.vt.us

ADMISSION

Adults $2.00 Children 14 and under, free Groups (10 or more), pre-registered $1.50 each

NEARBY AMENITIES

Lodging ~ Dining ~ Other Attractions

HOW TO GET THERE

The site is located in East Hubbardton, 7 miles north of U.S. Route 4 from Castleton.