Middle Fort

Middle Fort (Fort Defiance): Just North of Wyerstown (Middleburgh), became the Headquarters of the Schoharie Military District. It was the first of three forts completed and enclosed nearly three acres. Comprised of logs a foot in diameter and ten feet above ground, with loop holes. Blockhouses were constructed at the northeast and southeast corners. Huts lined the east and west sides. The stockade enclosed the Becker stone house (cellar was magazine) and barn (barracks). Another Barracks, well and oven were also built. Besieged by British, Torys and Indians 17 Oct 1780. see Timothy Murphy: Frontier Rifleman on defense of Middle Fort 1780.

The following information was supplied by Jay Lawyer:

On this page you refer to Middleburgh as "Wyerstown." The town to my knowledge has never been called that. The town at that time was known as "Weiser's Dorf." Later to be called Middleburg. Now legally to be known as 'Middleburgh.'

Mr. Lawyer is also interested in restoring "The Middle Fort." If you would like to help this effort please contact:
Jay Lawyer at ejlawyer@midtel.net
or Gary Hayes at garyhayes70@yahoo.com

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