OGDENSBURG – Why did George Washington describe the commander of Fort Oswegatchie (present da  Ogdensburg) as a war criminal who had “violated the faith that ought to be held sacred by all civilized nations.”

Why did Thomas Jefferson describe Fort Oswegatchie’s commander as “dastardly?”

Why did others view Fort Oswegatchie’s commanding officer, Captain George Forster, a hero who had led his outnumbered troops to victory despite overwhelming odds against them?

Find out on Wednesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. when Ogdensburg author and historian James E. Reagen speaks to the Daughters of the American Revolution at a special talk about Ogdensburg’s Fort Oswegatchie and its unique role in the American Revolution. DAR Regent Sally Hartman said the public is invited to attend.     

Reagen will talk about the Revolutionary War in St. Lawrence County at the Ogdensburg History Museum at 206 Ford Street (near the Department of Motor Vehicle Office).

Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Swe-kat-si Chapter, Reagen will talk about Northern New York’s unique role in America’s struggle for independence from British rule.

Reagen is the author of “Fort Oswegatchie” which tells the role of Ogdensburg in the Revolutionary War in Northern New York. Copies of his book will be available. 

Reagen is also the author of “Warriors of La Presentation,” a history of Ogdensburg in the French and Indian War and “Booze, Badboys and Bootleggers: North Country Tales Grandpa Never Told You.”