Friends of the Clyde Blockhouse

The fort at Sodoms played a little-known yet important supporting role during the 1759 British campaign against Fort Niagara. Built as a defense against the French and their Indian allies, the existence (and probable garrisoning) of the English fort encouraged Cayuga warriors to join the expedition. Without the fort's presence, it is unlikely they would have participated while leaving their women, children, and old men vulnerable to French Indian raids. Iroquois participation also allowed the British army to reach Niagara; without their military support the entire campaign may have quickly ended in disaster. 

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The British army camped at Sodus Bay July 1-2, 1759 while traveling toward Niagara. While there, the expedition may have been joined by a large body of Indians, coming direct from Sodoms:

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". . . Major General Prideaux, with 2000 Men, and 700 Indians, left Oswego the first Instant, at 5 o'clock in the Morning, in order to attack Niagara . . . they were to be joined by 500 more Indians on the Way, at a Place called Sodom."

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(Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, 26 July 1759)

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Aside from the Mohawks, few of the Iroquois actively participated in the siege of Fort Niagara. In fact, some Seneca Indians actually switched sides. The Indians did take part in the Battle of La Belle-Famille, where a French relief force was defeated within sight of Niagara on July 24th. Iroquois warriors pursued the routed French troops for miles, killing or capturing many. After the fight, Sir William Johnson divided 150 French scalps and 96 prisoners among his Indian allies. These Indians later returned to their villages, perhaps including Sodoms, to either adopt or ritually torture their captives. Not long after, some Cayuga and other Iroquois were present alongside the British at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Quebec) on Sept. 13, 1759. 

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The fort at Sodoms controlled an important route into Iroquoia and commanded Theuheron Creek (Clyde River); it could be supplied directly by water, via Fort Schroeppel at Three Rivers (Phoenix, NY). Located 12 miles from Sodus Bay, it was far enough inland to be less exposed to attack. From Sodoms, British troops could easily monitor Sodus Bay, help protect the supply line from Oswego to Niagara, and patrol the trails leading to Seneca and Cayuga towns further inland.

 

The threat posed by  French and Indian raiding parties was very real. The British fortifications at Oswego were attacked by a French force of 400 or 500 men on July 5-6, only days after the expedition left for Niagara. The British had left several companies of the 60th Regiment behind to guard the place, and they successfully repulsed the French assault.

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Sodoms fort also served as a trading post, which helped supply Britain's Iroquois allies with ammunition, food, clothing and other trade goods during the critical period 1758-1760. 

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