The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America

by Bruce M. Venter

British and German troops ran into stubborn rebel resistance at Hubbardton, Vermont, on July 7, 1777. The day would ultimately turn the tide for the Patriot cause. After capturing Fort Ticonderoga, the British, under Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, pursued a retreating Continental army under Major General Arthur St. Clair. In the fields and hills around Hubbardton, a tenacious American rear guard of about 1,200 derailed the British general’s plan for a quick march to Albany. The British won a tactical victory, but they suffered precious losses. Patriots, under Colonel Seth Warner, Colonel Ebenezer Francis and Colonel Nathan Hale, left the British and Germans bloodied while also saving untold casualties from their own army. Burgoyne and his weakened force ultimately surrendered at Saratoga on October 17, 1777, paving the way for a French alliance with the colonies and American independence.

Genres: American Revolutionary War, History, American History, American Revolution

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written narrative. The author does an excellent job of not just rehashing previous commentary, but providing his own opinion and counterpoints regarding tactics and certain leaders. I thought there could have been a few more or different maps and photos, especially since the area is still the same as it was in 1777.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good account of a little known battle fought during our war for independence. Would recommend to any American history scholar especially if you’ve visited these sites. Ticonderoga and Mt Independence are directly across from each other on Lake Champlain and this whole area is loaded with history. Recommend this book highly

[Donald J Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of a little-known battle

This book is very informative and well-researched. The author discusses alternative possibilities of what occurred and explains his conclusions. The writing is clear and helps the reader to visualize the action.

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great study of the Battle at Hubbardton. The author lays all the evidence out on a the table, analyzes it, and provides an alternate theory for how the battle unfolded on July 7, 1777.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action That Saved America" is a recently published book on the only Revolutionary War Battle in Vermont. The author, Bruce M. Venter, builds upon the scholarship of previous works to provide what I find to be an excellent study of the battle, events leading to it, and fall out from it.

The Battle of Hubbardton was a rear guard action by the Patriot Army after the fall of Fort Ticonderoga. The Battle was sufficiently hard fought so as to stop pursuit by the British Army and allow the remainder of the Patriot Army to successfully escape. And to survive to fight at the Battle of Saratoga.

Mr Venter provides an excellent discussion on the battle. He also addresses several issues that have been in contention over the past two centuries. I feel that his conclusions on these issues are well thought out and the most likely of the alternatives proposed over the years.

I would highly commend this book to those interested in the American Revolution, Military History in general and to those interested in the New England and Lake Champlain regions.