This National Historical Park preserves the battlefield and offers tours that interpret the Battle of Saratoga, a major turning point in the American Revolution. British General John Burgoyne led an army south from in a campaign that attempted to divide New England from the rest of the rebellious colonies. However, Burgoyne underestimated the strength of American forces led by General Horatio Gates. Gate's army inflicted heavy casualties in the Battle of Freeman's Farm and was overwhelmed after the Battle of Bemis Heights. The surrender of the British forces convinced the French Empire that the American rebels has a chance, leading to French assistance. With supplies and naval support from France, American forces were able to continue the war and eventually force a large British force at Yorktown to surrender. The National Park Service preserves the Saratoga Battlefield and offers a museum and visitor's center.
This reconstructed home is located at the site of John Neilson's farmhouse and was built to resemble the home that was located here during the Saratoga campaign that culminated in a decisive American victory. In October of 1777, this home became the quarters for American Generals Benedict Arnold and Enoch Poor during the multiple battles around Saratoga. Following the American Revolution, Neilson returned with his wife Lydia to their home and grew their family in the newly created United States of America.
The Battle of Saratoga consisted of two major battles between American and British forces during the American Revolution. After a generally unsuccessful year, the Continental army needed a meaningful victory. It was here at Bemis Heights that American forces captured an entire British army on October 7, 1777. The victory boosted morale and led to an alliance with France.
The fighting that occurred around Freeman's Farm was the first combat action of the Saratoga Campaign and is thus known as the First Battle of Saratoga. The opening of combat occurred on September 19, 1777. The American militia employed sharpshooters against the British which caused the British to lose two men for every one American.
This unique monument was dedicated in 1887 and offers a mocking celebration of Benedict Arnold’s service at the Battle of Saratoga. Arnold was wounded and lost his leg in the battle which occurred before Arnold's most famous act- the betrayal of the Continental Army and defection to the British. Arnold’s name is not included on the monument as part of a desire to both remember and forget the most infamous traitor in early American history. At the same time, the monument demonstrates Arnold's role and the loss of his leg during this pivotal battle of Saratoga- one only a few early significant victories in a war that saw the fledgling Americans avoiding major battles as part of their strategy to maintain an army and outlast British resistance. During the Battle of Quebec, Arnold suffered an injury to his leg. In his final battle at Saratoga, Arnold underwent an additional injury due to his horse being shot from underneath him. The monument's location is believed to be near the site of Arnold’s injury. After this battle, Arnold spied on behalf of the British and later joined the British army and left the United States after the war. John Watts de Peyster, a former Major General during the Civil War, designed and erected the monument in 1887.
Within this region, the British set their camp for the two battles of Saratoga. The British forces were led by General John Burgoyne. The British aimed to gain control of the Hudson River Valley through their Saratoga Campaign. Burgoyne started the campaign by moving 7,500 British regulars from Canada, where they had captured Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Edward by August. In September, the British would meet the American forces led by General Horatio Gates around Saratoga.
This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.
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This driving tour blends text, audio narration, and sources with links to more information. The guided walk can be experienced in-person or virtually, either way, it will offer a concise history of the Battle of Saratoga with stops at a variety of markers and other landmarks at Saratoga National Historical Park. The tour includes links to related books articles, and video.
