Drums Along the Mohawk

Drums Along the Mohawk is a 1939 historical Technicolor film based upon a 1936 novel of the same name by American author, Walter D. Edmonds. The film was produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and directed by John Ford. Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert portray settlers on the New York frontier during the American Revolution. The couple suffer British, Tory, and Indian attacks on their farm before the Revolution ends and peace is restored. The film—Ford’s first color feature—was well received, was nominated for two Academy Awards and became a major box office success, grossing over US$1 million in its first year. This was also the first time Claudette Colbert would be filmed in color. While filming Claudette Colbert had actually worried she might have not looked as good in color as she did in black and white.

Drums Along the Mohawk (1936) is a novel by American author Walter D. Edmonds. The story follows the lives of fictional Gil and Lana Martin, settlers in the Mohawk Valley of the New York frontier during the American Revolution.

The book is peopled with historical persons such as General Nicholas Herkimer, Adam Helmer, and William Caldwell, and features historical events such as the Battle of Oriskany and the Attack on German Flatts (1778).

The novel was a commercial and popular success, remaining on the bestseller list for two years.




The Tories and Mohawks attack German Flatts, and the settlers take refuge in Fort Herkimer.[1] Mrs. McKlennar is mortally wounded, and ammunition runs short. Gil makes a dash through enemy lines to secure help from nearby Fort Dayton. As the Indians scale the walls of the fort, reinforcements arrive from Fort Dayton. The Indians are overwhelmed. After the battle, the settlers learn the revolution has ended, and the American flag is unfurled above the fort.



Adam F. Helmer (c.1754 – April 9, 1830), also known as John Adam Helmer and Hans Adam Helmer, was an American Revolutionary War hero among those of the Mohawk Valley and surrounding regions of New York State. He was made nationally famous by Walter D. Edmonds’ popular 1936 novel Drums Along the Mohawk with its depiction of “Adam Helmer’s Run” of September 16, 1778 to warn the people of German Flatts of the approach of Joseph Brant and his company of Indians and Tories.


Lieutenant Adam F. Helmer

Famous Mohawk Valley Scout


On Aug. 6, 1777 carried military orders

for General Nicholas Herkimer


On Sept. 16, 1778 warned the settlers

at German Flats of the approach

of Joseph Brant and his warriors