Two Columns, One Target — The American Invasion of Canada (September–November 1775)
In September 1775, America struck Canada from two directions simultaneously. Arnold pushed through the Maine wilderness. Montgomery took fort after fort from the north. And one commander took the food and turned back.
Two Columns
On September 11, 1775, Benedict Arnold left Cambridge. His map was drawn by a Frenchman sixty years earlier. It showed 200 miles. The actual distance was 350.
At the same time, General Richard Montgomery marched north from Fort Ticonderoga. The plan: strike Canada from two directions, then unite at the walls of Quebec.
Enos Turns Back
Arnold's force was divided into four companies. Deep in the Maine wilderness, food ran low and men began to collapse. The rear commander, Colonel Roger Enos, made a decision.
He turned back.
Enos took 300 men and most of the remaining food and marched home. Arnold was left with 700 men and almost nothing to eat. Enos was later court-martialed — and acquitted.
Arnold did not stop.
Montgomery's March
On the northern route, Montgomery moved steadily. Fort St. Johns fell on November 2. On November 13, 1775, Montreal fell.
Canada's second city was in colonial hands.
Montgomery turned toward Quebec to meet Arnold.
Before the Walls
In December, Arnold's 700 survivors and Montgomery's column converged before Quebec. Combined strength: roughly 1,200 men. The Quebec garrison numbered 1,800.
The two commanders chose to attack. The date: December 31. A blizzard was coming.
Period: September–December 1775 | Arnold: 1,100 departed → 700 reached Quebec | Montgomery: captured Montreal, then joined Arnold
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