The final episode of the American Revolution on the Frontier podcast series on the war on the New York frontier is up. It’s titled The Burning of the Valleys. You can access it here or on most all the podcast platforms.
After the Sullivan Expedition destroyed so much of the Seneca Country in Western New York in 1779, the British came back with a (literal) vengeance, with multiple coordinated raids from multiple directions. The campaign of 1780 writ large was called The Burning of the Valleys.
Art by Don Troiani.
This is a longer-than-average episode, and it features Gavin K. Watt’s vivid recreation of the Ballstown Raid, and a portrait of the Tier 1 Frontier Partisan Timothy Murphy.
This was a challenging episode to put together, but I really enjoyed it, because it came vividly to life for me as I worked.
Next, it’s on the the Ohio River Valley Frontier and Old Kaintuck — and some of the most epic tales in Frontier Partisans history.
The Black Tyrone says
There are many historic signs around this area ie. Sullivan camped here or there on his way north (up state )to punish the Indian. As I recall from readings, little confrontation occurred with the Iroquois. If I am not mistaken more burning of crops than any thing else occurred. Regardless this hurt them seriously. My generation would call this a search and destroy mission. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks
JimC says
Yes, there was only one pitched battle in the Sullivan Campaign, and it was a low-casualty affair. The Boyd patrol was the costliest incident for the Americans. It was a March to the Sea type of campaign — economic destruction. The Burning of the Valleys saw considerably more combat, but it, too, was focused on economic destruction above all.
Thanks for the kind word. Appreciate it.
The Black Tyrone says
Jim, your comparison to Sherman’s March works well. Sullivan Cty NY is just next door.
Quixotic Mainer says
Great episode!
JimC says
Thank you. Glad it landed.
Russ Lucas says
Great podcast I looking forward to the next one
JimC says
Thank you!
Paul McNamee says
Great stuff.
You mentioned Ballston a few times. When we toured Saratoga in April, our overnight inn was in Ballston Spa.
JimC says
You were walking in the footsteps of that raid.
Joe Ran says
Liberty’s Kids tried to cast the Iroquois as innocent victims.