Battle Island State Park's name refers to a battle that took place on a nearby island on July 3, 1756, during the French and Indian War. The battle commenced after a British fleet, returning from delivering supplies to Fort Ontario, was ambushed by a party of French and Indians. Although outnumbered, British and Colonial forces were able repulse several attacks by using the island as a stronghold.[4] The island identified on maps as "Battle Island" was created during the excavation of an adjacent canal; the battle actually took place on a smaller island just to the south.[5]