Battle of Minisink Marker, Eldred, NY

The Battle of Minisink,  on July 22, 1779, was a decisive British–Iroquois victory in the upper Delaware River valley, where Joseph Brant’s (Mohawk name Thayendanegea) 60 Iroquois warriors and 27 Loyalists overwhelmed about 120 hastily assembled Patriot militia, resulting in 46 American dead and the near‑destruction of the pursuing force. Brant burned homes, barns, a church, a gristmill, and Fort Decker, while settlers fled to nearby forts. Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski’s departure earlier that year had left the region poorly defended, giving Brant freedom to strike. The battle was the only major Revolutionary War engagement in the upper Delaware Valley. The dead were left on the field until 1822, when survivors returned to recover and bury the remains in Goshen.

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.