* Derek Maxfield is an associate professor of history at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY, where he is also coordinator of the college’s Civil War Initiative. Seemingly just a footnote in the history of the Revolution, it is nice to see that this courageous band that died so ingloriously is remembered today. The scene of the ambush would prove to be the western limit of Sullivan’s penetration into the Iroquois homeland. Sixteen of Sullivan’s men were killed at Groveland plus Han Yost, the Native American guide. The “Torture Tree” was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2009. This tree, still standing – nearly 300 years old, now is a monument to the brave Continental soldiers who died at the hands of the Seneca. Finally, their entrails were flung over tree branches. This resulted in their torture – fingers and toes removed, they were disemboweled and beheaded. Boyd and Sargent Michael Parker had been captured and interrogated, but gave up little information. In subsequent days Boyd’s body was found in a Native American village mangled and mutilated. Only a handful survived to bring word back to Sullivan. Thomas Boyd, who was assisted by a Native American scout named Han Yost.īoyd and his men were lured into a trap and ambushed on September 13th, 1779. Butler and Chief Joseph Brant, Sullivan sent a scouting party over the western ridge. Wishing to know the location of the British and Indian army, under Col. When Sullivan’s army sought to cross the inlet at the southern end of Conesus Lake, they stalled while engineers worked to create a reliable bridge across the mire. Washington, mounted a punitive raid against the Iroquois in Western New York in 1779. More recently a wooden stairway was added leading up to the monument, which stands on high ground. A small park, complete with a pavilion and picnic area was added – though these amenities are no longer present. In 1901 The Livingston County Historical Society erected a large monument commemorating the ambush of American troops near that spot. Quite off the beaten track, the park has seen better days. Monument commemorating the ambush (author collection) Sullivan’s army who were ambushed there in 1779. Set atop the western ridge overlooking Conesus Lake is an obelisk dedicated to the memory of a group of scouts from Gen. Daniel Shays – who is buried in Union Cemetery – resulted in a revolutionary discovery: Groveland Ambuscade Park and Monument. Maxfield is at the end.Ī trek to Conesus, NY, to pay my respects to Capt. Emerging Revolutionary War is honored to welcome guest historian Derek Maxfield as the author of this post.
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