Battle of Fort Oswego
The Battle of Fort Oswego was one in a series of early French victories in the North American theatre of the Seven Years' War won in spite of New France's military vulnerability. During the week of August 10, 1756, a force of regulars and Canadian militia under General Montcalm captured and occupied the British fortifications at Fort Oswego, located at the site of present-day Oswego, New York.
Battle of Fort Oswego | |||||||
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Part of the French and Indian War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Great Britain | |||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Louis-Joseph de Montcalm |
James Mercer † John Littlehales | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
3,000 French army, troupes de la marine, colonial militia, and Indians | 1,100 British army | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
30 dead or wounded |
80–150 1,700 captured (including noncombatants) |
In addition to 1,700 prisoners, Montcalm's force seized the fort's 121 cannons. The fall of Fort Oswego effectively interrupted the British presence on Lake Ontario and removed it as a threat to the nearby French-controlled Fort Frontenac. The battle was notable for demonstrating that traditional European siege tactics were viable in North America when applied properly in the right circumstances and terrain.