The Burning of Kingston

October 13, 1777 at Kingston, New York

Battle Summary

The Burning of Kingston took place as part of the Saratoga Campaign 1777. In an attempt to relieve pressure on Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's British forces in Saratoga, New York, British units under the command of General Henry Clinton attacked and captured Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton in the Hudson Highlands.

Following this battle, Clinton sent forces under the command of John Vaughn to raid the Hudson Valley. Vaughn attacked and burned Kingston, New York, which was the capital of New York State. The state government evaded capture and fled to Hurley, New York but British forces under Vaughn burned Kingston, destroying more than 300 buildings.