Saratoga: America's Turning Point
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Saratoga Revolutionary Sites
Step back to 1777 and explore the landscapes where America’s fight for independence turned in the Patriots’ favor. From battlefields and fortified lines to homesteads and surrender sites, these places bring the story of the Battles of Saratoga to life. Walk the trails, climb the monuments, and stand on the very ground where history changed forever.
Bemus Heights
On the ridge called Bemus Heights, American soldiers constructed formidable
defenses to establish a choke-hold on the Hudson River Valley and prevent the
further progress of the southward-invading British Army.
American cannon positions on Bemus Heights could hit the Hudson River and the
flood plain. Fortified lines on the flood plain controlled the river road. Rough
terrain on the east side of the river prevented the British from moving that
way. And the "L" shaped fortified line stretching to the west and then to the
south protected the American camp.
The combined American use of terrain and defensive structures forced the British
to move inland to the west - a move that precipitated the Battles of Saratoga.
This is essentially the view American soldiers on top of Bemus Heights had
overlooking the Hudson River Valley. Any British forces in the valley or on the
river would be easy targets.
Had the British ever made it this far south, this is part of the view they would
have faced: multiple American cannon positioned behind formidable wooden
defenses and trained on the valley below.
Boot Monument
The monument does not mention Arnold by name, but there are a few intricate
details which often go unnoticed by passersby.
A boot and a two-star epaulet are draped over a howitzer barrel to symbolize an
individual with the rank of Major General who suffered a wound during a battle
in this location. A Laurel leaf wreath sits atop the howitzer, an emblem which
often resonates victory, power, and glory.
The reverse of the monument is inscribed with the following quote:
> “In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army who was
> desperately wounded on this spot, the sally port of Burgoyne’s great [western]
> redoubt 7th October 1777 winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the
> American Revolution and for himself the rank of Major General.”
Fort Hardy Park
An official Path Through History Site! Fort Hardy was built in August 1755 by
General Phinehas Lyman and named for Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of NY. The fort
served as a supply post for expeditions against Crown Point. This recreational
park has a picnic area, boat launch, and two miles of walking trails. At the
visitors center you will find displays about the ceremonious surrender of
General John Burgoyne following the Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary
War on this site, the "Field of Grounded Arms."
General Philip Schuyler House
This historic home was built in 1777 and was the residence of General Philip
Schuyler and his family. The property is now part of the Saratoga National
Historical Park. Philip Schuyler, father-in-law to Alexander Hamilton, had the
house built in just 29 days. During the American Revolution, the British army
occupied the house and burned it to the ground after their final defeat and
surrender at Yorktown. General Schuyler rebuilt the home immediately after,
reusing many of its original parts. Uniquely among historic homes, this house
was given to the U.S. government in its original condition, with no running
water or electricity, and remains this way today. Today, it is used for historic
tours and living history and can be visited from May to Labor Day.
Great Redoubt
The Great Redoubt, located in Saratoga National Historical Park in Saratoga, New
York, was the probable burial place for British General Simon Fraser
Henry Knox Trail Marker
Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to
deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the Train of Artillery from
Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston. Erected by
the State of New York during the Sesquicentennial of the American Revolution.
Neilson Farm
John Neilson, who farmed this land, cast his lot with the Patriot cause. The
building you see is a restoration of his original home. By mid-September 1777,
the American Army had taken over Neilson’s house and barn, and enclosed much of
his farm within its defenses.
Saratoga Monument
The Saratoga Monument, located in the nearby village of Victory Mills, is
reached by climbing to the top of Burgoyne Street; the highest hill in the area.
The Monument stands 154 and one-half feet tall and contains a staircase allowing
visitors to view the site and surrounding areas. It contains memorable large
bronze plaques of stylized views of the Revolution.
The Monument was built during the time period of 1877-1888 and dedicated in
1912. Ellen Hardin Wallworth, a founder of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, served as the only woman on the Board (unusual for its day). Today
the Monument is a part of Saratoga National Historical Park. Open May 1st to
Labor Day.
Saratoga National Historical Park
In Stillwater, on pastoral banks above the Hudson River, two hotly contested
Revolutionary War battles fought here, ended in an American victory recognized
as one of the most important in world history. Visit the year-round battlefield
visitor center with film, light map, museum exhibits, and gift shop; tour the
scenic 10-mile auto and bike road, hike historic paths. The park also boasts 4
sites located about 9 miles to the north of the battlefield around the villages
of Victory and Schuylerville: Victory Woods where Gen. Burgoyne's forces made
their last stand, the 155' Saratoga Monument with panoramic views of the Hudson
Valley, General Philip Schuyler's 1777 home and estate, and the Saratoga
Surrender Site.
Saratoga Siege Trail
The Saratoga Siege Trail is a flat half mile walking trail which follows along
the south side of Fish Creek. As the trail winds through the woods overlooking
the creek, one experiences the perspective of American soldiers looking into
Burgoyne’s camp on the north side. After three days exchanging fire, and with
his army increasingly outnumbered, encircled, and running out of supplies,
Burgoyne and his officers began serious negotiations with Gates and the
Americans. The Convention of Saratoga, the official surrender document, was
signed on October 16, followed by the physical surrender ceremonies of men and
materiel on the 17th.
Saratoga Surrender Site
This outdoor memorial marks the site of the British Surrender after the Battles
of Saratoga. This was the first time in world history that the British Army
surrendered to another country. On the morning of October 17, 1777, a British
army over 6,000 strong made preparations to surrender arms and ordnance to the
Northern Army forces of the United States of America. British Lt. General John
Burgoyne rode to meet his conqueror, Major General Horatio Gates, and the two
generals and their staffs retired to this hilltop to mark the occasion.
Stark's Knob
During the Revolutionary War, in the fall of 1777, the height of land at Stark's
Knob created a pinch-point at the north end of Schuylerville. Here, the military
road the British needed to traverse to make good their escape after the Battles
of Saratoga, passed through a narrows confined by Stark's Knob on the west and
the Hudson River and associated wetlands on the east. It is believed that
General Stark used the vantage point this natural formation offered his men.
Placement of Stark's American Forces in the gap was later described by historian
John Henry Brandow as "the corking of the bottle" which profoundly influenced
the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga, leading to Burgoyne's surrender.
The summit vantage point is still breathtaking; visitors to Hudson Crossing Park
enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Stillwater Blockhouse
Built in 1927, in part with timbers from Revolutionary War era structures, the
blockhouse is a reconstruction of early 18th century blockhouses of the region.
Today, the Stillwater Blockhouse stands in a small park on a notably scenic
section of the Hudson River, and is dedicated to local history. Visitors can
view the “loopholes” that allow shooting straight down upon the enemy, cannon
and exhibits that highlight life and conflict in the 18th century.The Blockhouse
is the original museum and visitors center on the battlefield. It was moved to
this site in June of 1999.
The Marshall House
Marshall House is a testament to the era of the Battles of Saratoga. It was in
this house that Baroness Frederika Riedesel nursed the wounded of the war as
cannon balls besieged those that sought sanctuary within its walls. Famed for
the fact that it has witnessed important event in American history, Marshall
House also gained renown for its architectural distinctions.
Victory Woods