DOCSLIB.ORG

Rfb-2020-020

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Rfb-2020-020 RFB-2020-020 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS for the REPLACEMENT OF SEIFERT ROAD BRIDGE OVER WOOD CREEK BIN 2206350 PIN 2754.49 D036208 City of Rome, Oneida County, New York City of Rome 198 North Washington Street Rome, New York 13440 316 S. Clinton St., 2nd Floor Syracuse, New York 13202 Project No. 2191749 November 2020 PIN 2754.49 – REPLACEMENT OF SEIFERT ROAD BRDIGE OVER WOOD CREEK CITY OF ROME, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Bid Advertisement Bidders Checklist BID DOCUMENTS BD-1 Bid Form BD-2 Bid Proposal BD-3 Bid Bond BD-4 Certified Copy of Resolution of Board of Directors BD-5 Non-Collusive Bidding and Disbarment Certification BD-6 Affidavit of Worker’s Compensation BD-7 Iranian Energy Divestment Certification BD-8 Proposed DBE Commitment Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects - Chapter 12 - Contract Requirements POST BID DOCUMENTS PB-1 New York State Uniform Contracting Questionnaire PB-2 Proof of Insurance PB-3 Performance Bond PB-4 Emergency Contacts GENERAL CONDITIONS Agreement Instructions to Bidders Supplemental Instructions to Bidders New York State Prevailing Wage Rate Schedule Federal Prevailing Wage Rate Schedule Special Notes Special Specifications Supplemental Information Available to Bidders GENERAL INFORMATION BID ADVERTISEMENT Sealed proposals will be received by the City Clerk of the City of Rome, New York, until 11:00 A.M. local time, February 11, 2021, for the following project: RFB-2020-020 REPLACEMENT OF SEIFERT ROAD BRIDGE OVER WOOD CREEK Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 A.M., local time, the same day, February 11, 2021 in City Hall, Rome, New York. All mail must be received prior to 11:00 A.M. February 11, 2021 for bid opening. The City of Rome will not accept late bid submissions. Electronic submissions are not permitted for these bidding documents. Bid opening information will be available through YouTube immediately following the bid opening at https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC3-zq8doKqMbceHj5n0XSYg. Bid package can be delivered to Rome City Hall and dropped in overnight depository. Submission envelope to be sealed and clearly labeled. All bids shall be made on forms furnished by the City and each proposal shall be mailed to the Rome City Clerk, 1st Floor, Rome City Hall, 198 N. Washington Street, Rome New York, 13440, in a sealed envelope clearly marked as follows: BID DOCUMENTS RFB-2020-020 PIN 2754.49 - REPLACEMENT OF SEIFERT ROAD BRIDGE OVER WOOD CREEK (Bidder’s Name) Project Location: Seifert Road, Rome, NY 13440 Owner: City of Rome Owner’s Representative: Butch Conover City of Rome Commissioner of Public Works 198 North Washington St., Rome, NY 13440 315-339-7635 Engineer: LaBella Associates, DPC 316 S. Clinton Street, 2nd Floor Syracuse, NY 13202 Each project proposal will be time-stamped by the City Clerk’s Office when received and must include all elements listed. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project includes demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new bridge at the same location. Bids will be advertised electronically at www.romenewyork.gov; under the treasurer and purchasing tab. Bids are also advertised with BidNet Direct at www.bidnetdirect.com; and the New York State Contract Reporter at: www.nyscr.ny.gov/agency/index.cfm. The plans are available for download (Adobe PDF) at the City’s website on the purchasing tab at no charge; however, be advised that incomplete bids will be disqualified. Contractors that obtain contract documents from a source other than the issuing office must notify the issuing office in order to be placed in the official plan holder’s list, in order to receive addenda and other bid correspondence. Please contact the City Engineer’s Office at (315) 339- 7635 with your name, bid packet obtained, and email address to be placed on the official plan holder’s list. Bids received from contractors other than those on the official plan holder’s list will not be accepted. Addenda, if any, will be issued only to those persons whose name and address are on record with the City as having obtained a bid packet. Addenda to the bid, when issued, will be on file in the Engineering Office at least five days before the bid opening date. If addenda are issued for this contract, all official plan holders will be issued with addenda by mail or email. The acknowledgement of addenda is found on the Bid Form. All questions should be directed to Joseph Guiliano at the City of Rome electronically at [email protected] or (315) 339-7627 before 4:00 PM February 2, 2021. It is the policy of the City of Rome to encourage the greatest possible participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises. All qualified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) suppliers, contractors, and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or sexual preference. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title VI Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to the related solicitation, request for proposal or invitation to bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award. This project has a 6% DBE participation goal; we also encourage MBE/WBE participation. This is a Federal Aid Project and NYSDOT Standard Specifications, officially finalized and adopted on September 1, 2020 as posted on the New York State Department of Transportation’s website must be followed by the successful bidder. The use of the NYSDOT approved civil rights reporting software, Equitable Business Opportunities (EBO), is required. Access authorization to EBO can be found at https://www.dot.ny.gov/dotapp/ebo/info . Bids shall be accompanied by money order, certified check or bid bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid, payable to the order of the City Clerk, City of Rome, New York. The Bidder to whom the Contract is awarded will be required to furnish Performance, Payment and Guarantee Bonds from an acceptable Surety Company for an amount not less than 100% of the accepted bid. The successful Bidder and all subcontractors must have an approved CCA-2 on file with NYSDOT prior to being awarded a contract. If the successful Bidder does not currently have a CCA-2 on file with NYSDOT, the Bidder may find the CCA-2 forms and instruction for completion online at https://osc.state.ny.us/venrep/form_cca2.htm. The successful Bidder will be required to comply with all provisions of the Federal Government Equal Employment Opportunity clauses issued by the Secretary of Labor on May 2, 1968 and published in the Federal Register (41 CFR Part 60-1, 33 F.2 7804). Successful bidders will be required to pay prevailing wage rates on this contract. PIN 2754.49 – SEIFERT ROAD BRIDGE OVER WOOD CREEK CITY OF ROME, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK BIDDER’S CHECKLIST In order to submit a complete bid, Bidders must submit the following documents: Completed Bid Form (BD-1) Competed Bid Proposal (BD-2) Bid Bond or Certified Bank Check – 5% of total base bid (BD-3) Completed Bidder Information Sheet (BD-4) Certified Copy of Resolution of Board of Directors (For Corporations) (BD-5) Completed Non-Collusive Bidding and Disbarment Certifications (BD-6) Completed Affidavit of Worker’s Compensation (BD-7) Completed Iranian Energy Divestment Certification (BD-8) Completed Proposed DBE Commitment (BD-9) Completed Disclosure Of Lobbying Activities Form (Appendix 12 – 1.4) The following forms are due from the apparent responsible low bidder within the time frame specified for each: New York State Uniform Contracting Questionnaire (PB-1), within 7 days after bid opening. Proof of Insurance (PB-2), within 15 days after bid opening. Performance Bond (PB-3), within 15 days after bid opening. Completed Emergency Contact Numbers (PB-4), within 15 days after bid opening. BIDDERS SHALL SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN THIS PROJECT MANUAL ON SINGLE-SIDED SHEETS IN THE EXACT ORDER SHOWN. NO SUBSTITIONS OF FORMS WILL BE ALLOWED. ENTRIES MAY BE TYPED OR LEGIBLY HAND WRITTEN EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY NOTED. BC-1 PAGE 1 BID DOCUMENTS BID FORM The following bid proposal is hereby made to: The City of Rome, New York (Project Sponsor). STIPULATED AMOUNTS: The Undersigned hereby proposes and agrees to perform all the work and furnish all the necessary labor, materials, equipment, tools and services necessary for The Replacement of Seifert Road Bridge over Wood Creek, BIN 2206350, PIN 2754.49, D036208. All work shall be undertaken in accordance with the Drawings, Specifications, and other Contract Documents prepared by LaBella Associates, DPC, 316 S. Clinton Street, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202, for the following stipulated amounts: BASE BID WRITTEN: BASE BID FIGURES: ATTACH PROPOSAL UNIT BID SHEETS GENERAL: All applicable provisions of the Contract Documents shall govern all work of this proposal. KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The Undersigned has examined the locations of the proposed work, Drawings, Specifications, and other Contract Documents and is familiar with local conditions at the place where the work is to be performed.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • To Jeffery Amherst
    The Weekly Historical Note By: Nicolas Reynolds August 10th, 2009 The Battle at Oriskany On August 6th, 1777, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution happened right in the middle of the homelands of the Oneida Indians. Situated just to the west of Oneida Lake, Fort Stanwix was garrisoned with approximately 500 troops and was meant to protect the portage between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek. Early in the American Revolution, the British Army turned its eyes on the portage known as The Oneida Carrying Place; they understood well the significance of the strategic point. “For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link of people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade goods and news…When Europeans arrived they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant period in American history—a period when nations fought for control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well.” Image 1: Fort Stanwix was an important strategic location throughout the American Revolution and was located at the portage between Wood Creek and the Mohawk River. The village of Oriska, which was composed mostly of Oneida was close to the Fort and was destroyed by Iroquois that fought alongside the British during the war. A series of waterways, beginning with Wood Creek and heading west, connected first to Oneida Lake, and then all the way to the Great Lakes and the St.
    [Show full text]
  • Oriskany:Aplace of Great Sadness Amohawk Valley Battelfield Ethnography
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Ethnography Program Northeast Region ORISKANY:APLACE OF GREAT SADNESS AMOHAWK VALLEY BATTELFIELD ETHNOGRAPHY FORT STANWIX NATIONAL MONUMENT SPECIAL ETHNOGRAPHIC REPORT ORISKANY: A PLACE OF GREAT SADNESS A Mohawk Valley Battlefield Ethnography by Joy Bilharz, Ph.D. With assistance from Trish Rae Fort Stanwix National Monument Special Ethnographic Report Northeast Region Ethnography Program National Park Service Boston, MA February 2009 The title of this report was provided by a Mohawk elder during an interview conducted for this project. It is used because it so eloquently summarizes the feelings of all the Indians consulted. Cover Photo: View of Oriskany Battlefield with the 1884 monument to the rebels and their allies. 1996. Photograph by Joy Bilharz. ExEcuTivE SuMMARy The Mohawk Valley Battlefield Ethnography Project was designed to document the relationships between contemporary Indian peoples and the events that occurred in central New York during the mid to late eighteenth century. The particular focus was Fort Stanwix, located near the Oneida Carry, which linked the Mohawk and St. Lawrence Rivers via Wood Creek, and the Oriskany Battlefield. Because of its strategic location, Fort Stanwix was the site of several critical treaties between the British and the Iroquois and, following the American Revolution, between the latter and the United States. This region was the homeland of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy whose neutrality or military support was desired by both the British and the rebels during the Revolution. The Battle of Oriskany, 6 August 1777, occurred as the Tryon County militia, aided by Oneida warriors, was marching to relieve the British siege of Ft.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bateau, a Shallow Flat-Bottomed Double Sided Boat, Was Used
    Connecting the “The Great WATERWAYS OF WAR Carrying Place” The east-west route from Albany and the Hudson River to the Great Located between the eastward Lakes was used in every early flowing Mohawk River and the American conflict as a necessary waterway of war. It facilitated westward flowing Wood Creek the early fur trade, and transported the Oneida Carry, or “The Great the men and materials in both Carrying Place,” was a stretch of offensive and defensive military land varying seasonally between actions on notable locations throughout the theater of conflict. one and six miles. Control of this portage meant control of the entire Albany- Lake Ontario waterway. British fortifications located along the portage were of primary concern. Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division The British needed to keep the portage open to facilitate east-west travel to and from Oswego and the Great Lake’s theater of conflict during the French and Indian War. The portage was vulnerable to French attack and Fort’s Williams and Bull were constructed at each end of the portage in its defense. Fort Bull was destroyed in 1756 and replaced by Fort Wood Creek, and Fort Williams was THE ONEIDA CARRY replaced with the stronger Fort Craven. The British investment in men, money, and materials in this location was significant, and later Fort Stanwix was constructed in its defense. THE BATEAU The bateau, a shallow flat-bottomed double sided boat, was used extensively throughout North America, especially during the colonial and fur trading period. Derived from French for boat, its plural form is bateaux.
    [Show full text]
  • The Erie Canal
    Journal of Geography ISSN: 0022-1341 (Print) 1752-6868 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rjog20 The Erie Canal Charles T. MacFarlane To cite this article: Charles T. MacFarlane (1912) The Erie Canal, Journal of Geography, 10:7, 219-228, DOI: 10.1080/00221341208985695 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221341208985695 Published online: 20 May 2008. Submit your article to this journal Article views: 8 View related articles Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=rjog20 Download by: [La Trobe University] Date: 19 June 2016, At: 18:51 -19121 THE ERIE CANAL 219 very little attention has been given in the state. Many of the economic and social problems of the state which are extensively discussed simply represent the shift of certain disadvantaged or marginal areas from tilled farm land to forest purpose for which they are better suited, CONCLUSION The agriculture of New York is awakening to a new life. Production is being intensified. Prices are advancing. Social conditions in general are improving. The products are being diversified and better adapted to the soil, the market and the man. More drainage and better hadling of the soil is coming in. And finally people-farmers-are coming into the state from the middle-west because now agricultural opportunities are rela- tively better in the east than in the west. The agriculture of New York is destined to hold her place near the front rank among the states of the Un- ion. THE ERIE CANAL By CHARLES T.
    [Show full text]
  • National Significance and Historical Context
    2.1 2 National Signifi cance and Historical Context NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OVERVIEW Th e Erie Canal is the most successful and infl uential human-built waterway and one of the most important works of civil engineering and construction in North America. It facilitated and shaped the course of settlement of the North- east, Midwest, and Great Plains, knit together the Atlantic Seaboard with the area west of the Appalachian Mountains, solidifi ed New York City’s place as the young nation’s principal seaport and commercial center, and became a central element forging the national identity. New York’s canal system, including the Erie Canal and its laterals – principally the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals – opened the interior of the continent. Built through the only low-level gap between the Appalachian Mountain chain and the Adirondack Mountains, the Erie Canal provided one of the principal routes for migration and an economical and reliable means for transporting agricultural products and manufactured goods between the American interior, the eastern seaboard, and Europe. Th e Erie Canal was a heroic feat of early 19th century engineering and construc- tion, and at 363 miles long, more than twice the length of any canal in Europe. Photo: It was without precedent in North America, designed and built through sparsely Postcard image of canal basin in Clinton Square, Syracuse, ca. 1905 settled territory by surveyors, engineers, contractors, and laborers who had to learn much of their craft on the job. Engineers and builders who got their start on New York’s canals went on to construct other canals, railroads, and public water supplies throughout the new nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Washington County, New York Data Book
    Washington County, New York Data Book 2008 Prepared by the Washington County Department of Planning & Community Development Comments, suggestions and corrections are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the Department at (518) 746-2290 or [email protected] Table of Contents: Table of Contents: ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ii Profile: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Location & General Description .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Municipality ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Physical Description ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Quality of Life: ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Housing .................................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Cove Road Update
    Oneida Lake Association PO Box 3536 Syracuse, NY 13220-3536 [email protected] Greetings! WHAT'S UP? The OLA BOD at its June and July meetings discussed the following topics and actionable items: Weed pulls and volunteers Planning for the 75th Annual Meeting VP Harmon and a special committee has analysed the Member Survey from this spring and is outlining possible responses to several of the topics that you all suggested would improve the OLA and its functions The invitational August Networking Meeting is scheduled for August 12; town, county, and state government officials should be on the lookout for an email to be sent in a few days. The Government Relations Committee is preparing a series of Oneida Lake issues bullets with which to brief area legislators as appointments with them can be made over the next few month. Cove Road Update While the Governor regularly announces recreational improvements to access parks and launch sites across the state, we have no update on the DEC Region 6 "top priority" to start work at Cove Road. This new boat launch site on the Barge Canal just east of Fish Creek has been a permitting and design initiative of the NYSDEC, Canal Corp, and OLA for over 25 years. Start of construction was to have begun this season, but has been delayed another site where designs were more advanced (the new launch on the Grass River above Massena that was funded by NYPA?). ENews will report as soon as site clearing begins, hopefully this fall. Oneida Lake is not hampered by the high water levels that will plague the Great Lakes and St.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Profile
    City of Rome Comprehensive Plan Community Profile TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview and Development History........................................................................................1 Demographic Overview...........................................................................................................5 Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges................................................................................5 Population............................................................................................................................5 Households..........................................................................................................................5 Race ....................................................................................................................................6 Age ......................................................................................................................................6 Educational Attainment........................................................................................................7 Income Levels .....................................................................................................................8 Economic Profile ...................................................................................................................11 Issues, Opportunities and Challenges...............................................................................11 Griffiss Air Force Base Closure .........................................................................................11
    [Show full text]
  • AREA CHAMBER of COMMERCE Celebrating Rome, New York Including Griffiss Business & Technology Park on “The Wings of Change”
    ROMEAREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Celebrating Rome, New York including Griffiss Business & Technology Park On “The Wings of Change” 2019-2020 Member Directory & Community Guide 139 W Dominick St • Rome NY 13440 315.337.1700 •www.RomeChamber.com , SO MANY THINGS TO DO! HISTORICAL ROME: Discover the great outdoors at any of the beautiful • Brenda Lomeli’s Art Studio ROME NY recreational facilities in our area. The Revolutionary War and the Erie Canal are part • John Hayes O’Neill School of Dance of every American’s heritage. • Delta Lake State Park • Central New York Academy of Dance Visit these and many other historical sites located • Pixley Falls State Park • Susan Hasty’s School of Dance in and around Rome. • Rome City Parks (Playgrounds & Swimming • Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute • Fort Stanwix National Monument Pools) • Turning Stone Resort Casino • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Bellamy Harbor Park • Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel • Veteran’s Memorial Park • Adirondack Park • Rome Cinemas Rome Historical Society Verona Beach State Park • • MOHAWK VALLEY GREW IT/MADE IT: H.P. Sears Oil Co. Service Station Museum Avoid boredom, commune with nature, and enjoy a • Discover what’s made right here in the Mohawk Fire & Police Memorial Park walking workout! • Valley! Check out these “home-made” businesses Stanwix-Erie Canal Trail • Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum • during your visit! Old Erie Canal State Park • Shako:wi Cultural Center • • Copper City Brewing Oriskany Battlefield • Griffiss Park Sculpture Trail • • Woodland Hop Farm &
    [Show full text]
  • Issue 16, the Oneida Carrying Place
    The Weekly Historical Note By Nicolas Reynolds August 31st, 2009 The Oneida Carrying Place In the old days traveling by land was a slow process. As a result, travelers often used boats, canoes, or other water vessels to swiftly get them around large tracts of land. In the Oneida homelands of New York and after centuries of commerce, a prominent trade route developed that connected the Atlantic coast with lake Ontario. “For thousands of years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as a vital link of people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario. Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade goods and news…When Europeans arrived they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant period in American history—a period when nations fought for control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well.” The six mile stretch of land between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek is known as a portage. A portage is where travelers carried their goods and canoes over ground in order to connect with another water route or to bypass waterfalls, rapids, or long detours. Although its origins are not exactly clear, it is believed that sometime during the 1760s a small village called Oriska appeared near Fort Stanwix. Fort Stanwix had been destroyed and rebuilt over the years by the British and French, but most recently was built near the conclusion of the Seven Years War (a.k.a.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 4. Tributaries. II-70
    Section 4. Tributaries 4.1 Subwatershed Descriptions The Oneida Lake watershed is composed of seven primary subwatersheds that drain groundwater and surface water from a six county region directly to the Lake (Map 2.4.1 – Subwatersheds). A general description of the following subwatersheds is presented in this chapter: the Oneida Creek subwatershed (extending throughout portions of Madison and Oneida Counties), the Cowaselon Creek subwatershed (located entirely within Madison County), the Chittenango Creek subwatershed (a portion of which borders Onondaga and Madison Counties), the Limestone/Butternut Creeks subwatershed (that flows through Onondaga County), the Wood Creek subwatershed (presented here in two sections – Wood Creek North and Wood Creek South) that flows through Oneida County, and the Fish Creek subwatershed (divided into the East Branch, West Branch, and Lower Fish Creek), spanning portions of Oneida, Lewis, and Oswego Counties. The section describing the Oneida Lake North Shore subwatershed refers to an area in Oneida and Oswego Counties along the north shore that drains directly into Oneida Lake. Each of the subwatershed sections contains information about geography, land use, and soils. Additional information is presented on existing programs and, when available, additional sources of information. This information was compiled to help the reader understand the natural features and local issues that influence water quality in Oneida Lake and its tributaries. 4.1.1 Chittenango Creek Subwatershed The Chittenango Creek subwatershed can be further divided into the following hydrologic units: -- Upper Chittenango Creek -- Lower Chittenango Creek Geography The headwaters of Chittenango Creek are located in the Madison County Town of Nelson at the Erieville Reservoir (also known as Tuscarora Lake).
    [Show full text]
  • The Battle of Oriskany: "Blood Shed a Stream Running Down"
    National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places U.S. Department of the Interior The Battle of Oriskany: "Blood Shed a Stream Running Down" The Battle of Oriskany: "Blood Shed a Stream Running Down" (Courtesy of Utica Public Library) "That the late Incursions of the Enemy & their Savages into the said county [Tryon], & upon a part of the County of Albany have reduced the Inhabitants to the utmost distress. The Harvests not yet gathered in are rotting upon the ground. The Grass uncut. The fallow Grounds not yet ploughed. The Cattle in a great measure destroyed."¹ For hundreds of years, central and western New York had been inhabited by the six member nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. During the colonial period the French, the Dutch, and the British coveted its strategic location along an important fur trade route. The Mohawk Valley's rich farmland also yielded great quantities of food, and the land attracted European settlers. By the time of the Revolutionary War, Dutch, German, Irish, Scotch, and British settlers prospered from lucrative trade and productive farms. Yet the whole area suffered from long-established prejudices and hatred between groups and individuals. When war broke out, European Americans and American Indians fought each other for control of New York's political power, land, and commerce. The sentiments quoted above would be repeated time and time again as personal vendettas and reprisals escalated to bloody massacres and battles. No episode better captures the brutal civil war in the Mohawk Valley than the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777, where neighbor fighting neighbor transformed a quiet ravine into a bloody slaughterhouse.
    [Show full text]