1777 an amphibious assault on the Massachusetts town of Machias (in present-day eastern Maine) by British forces during the American Revolutionary War
A disputed British amphibious raid on Machias that failed to dislodge American militia defenders, illustrating the limits of British coastal power in New England.
Key Facts
- Date
- August 13–14, 1777
- British commander
- Commodore Sir George Collier
- Defender forces
- Local militia aided by Indian allies
- British objectives
- Prevent a second assault on Fort Cumberland
- Outcome disputed
- Both sides claimed success
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In November 1776, Fort Cumberland had been besieged by American forces, and British commanders feared a second such assault was being prepared. Commodore Sir George Collier led a raid on Machias to disrupt military stores believed to be gathered there for that planned attack on Fort Cumberland.
On August 13–14, 1777, British forces launched an amphibious assault on Machias, Massachusetts (present-day Maine). They landed below the town, seized a ship, and raided a storehouse. Local militia, supported by Indian allies, resisted the landing and prevented British troops from capturing the town itself.
The outcome was contested: Collier claimed success in destroying military stores, though such stores had not actually been delivered to Machias. American defenders asserted they had repelled the British and protected the town, leaving the raid's strategic impact negligible and its result unresolved.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
George Collier.