On this date in Maine history: Dec. 31
By Joseph Owen
Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
Dec. 31, 1775: As the first year of the American Revolution draws to a close, American Revolutionary forces led by Col. Benedict Arnold and Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery attack the British fortress at Quebec City while a snowstorm rages. The assault fails.
Arnold, who led his men on an epic, hardship-filled journey up Maine’s Kennebec River and through the wilderness of northwestern Maine and the countryside of what is now southeastern Quebec to reach the fortress, is wounded.
Montgomery, whose forces descended the St. Lawrence River valley to join Arnold after having occupied Montreal, is killed in combat.