Boyd and Parker ambush
The Boyd and Parker Ambush was a small military engagement in Groveland, New York on September 13, 1779, during the American Revolutionary War. A scout group of the Sullivan Expedition was ambushed and captured by Tories and their Seneca Indian allies.
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Background
Native American raids in Upstate New York compelled General George Washington sent General Sullivan with some 3500 men into Western New York to displace the Senecas; destroy their crops, villages, and food supplies; and remove the threat to settlers.
Pre-Ambush
Iroquois Chief Joseph Brant and British Col. John Butler had some 800 men and were in defense of the region. Sullivan marched from Philadelphia through Pennsylvania and into Western New York. They camped at the site of Foots Corners in Conesus on Sunday 12, 1779 after traveling from Honeoye Lake. That night Sullivan ordered Lt. Thomas Boyd to organize a scouting party to discover the location of the Seneca village. Lt. Boyd took 23 men with him including Sergeant Michael Parker. They left late that night and passed by Butlers ambush party with out either group knowing of it.
The Ambush
During the next day they spotted a group of four Indians along the trail and a brief gun fight occurred; one Indian was killed and Boyd and Parker started to return to Sullivan. On the trail they spotted five Indians who fled; Boyds guide told hm not to follow for it was a trap but he ignored the warning. They were led into the enemys lines, surrounded, and outnumbered. Fifteen of Boyds men were killed, eight escaped, while Boyd and Parker were captured.
The Ambush and Groveland
Today the Groveland Ambuscade Monument marks the site along with a small town park. In September 2004 the site commemorated its 225th anniversary with a series of reenactments.