"The Struggle for the Star, June 18, 1781" by Robert Wilson captures the intense moment when 50 Patriot soldiers, known as the "Forlorn Hope," launched a daring attack on the British-held Star Fort at noon on June 18, 1781. These soldiers carried axes to dismantle defensive obstacles like abatis and fraise, as well as grappling hooks to scale the fort's walls. Supporting fire came from a 30-foot Maham Tower constructed by the Patriots. The assault lasted 45 minutes and resulted in heavy casualties—30 of the 50 attackers were killed before General Nathanael Greene called off the attack. The Star Fort was an earthen fortification constructed by Loyalist forces in late 1780. Its eight-point star design allowed defenders to fire in all directions, making it a formidable stronghold. From May 22 to June 18, 1781, General Nathanael Greene led a siege against this fort, employing trench warfare and building siege towers to approach the defenses. Despite these efforts, the final assault failed, and Greene was forced to withdraw.
