The Penobscot Expedition that sailed from Boston Harbor consisted of 1,400 men loaded onto 25 transport vessels and defended by 19 warships, the largest fleet ever assembled by the Americans during the war. It approached Penobscot Bay on July 25, 1779, six weeks after the British had arrived and began construction on Fort George. Despite their best efforts, the fort was unfinished and remained only a five-foot-tall earthen rampart. Early on July 28, the Americans stormed ashore and, following a determined assault, the Massachusetts militiamen reached the edge of the woods at the top of the plateau, a few hundred yards from the fort.
Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses the assault on Fort George and why it still matters today.
Photo Credits:
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
New York Public Library
Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
Library of Congress