Take a Walk Through History: Saratoga 250

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Guides / Take a Walk Through History: Saratoga 250

Step onto the battlefields, through the homesteads, and into the towns that shaped America’s fight for independence.

<p>Looking to experience the legacy of the American Revolution firsthand? Build your perfect day — or stretch it into a weekend — exploring Saratoga County’s historic landscapes, charming villages, and Revolutionary War heritage sites. From battlefields and monuments to historic homes and canals, every stop offers a window into the pivotal 1777 campaign that changed the course of world history.</p>

Morning – Begin Where the Campaign Unfolded

Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center

The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center is your gateway to discovering the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and thriving culture of the Champlain Canal region. Located in the heart of Schuylerville, the visitor center provides a wealth of information and resources for travelers and locals alike for the entire region. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s role in America’s history, enjoying outdoor recreational activities, or want to learn more about what’s happening in surrounding communities, our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you. With informative exhibits and displays and a welcoming atmosphere, the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your next adventure. Come and immerse yourself in the stories and landscape that defines this unique part of New York.

The perfect starting point for your Revolutionary journey. Discover exhibits on the canal, the British surrender, and Schuylerville’s role as a historic crossroads. Friendly staff and resources will help you orient your visit.

Hudson Crossing Park

Hudson Crossing Park is a unique recreational and educational destination centered on Champlain Canal Lock 5 Island just outside of Schuylerville, New York. It is open every day year-round from dawn until dusk and is free of charge. Visitors may enjoy picnic facilities, fishing and birding sites, a children's play garden, and more than two miles of nature trails with panoramic Hudson River vistas and Champlain Canal overlooks.

Just outside the village, this canal-side park offers scenic trails, river overlooks, and a sensory garden. During the Revolution, the Hudson was both a lifeline and a barrier; today, the park invites quiet reflection in the landscape where armies once marched.

Midday – Battlefields and Fortified Lines

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.

Watch the orientation film, view exhibits, and head out on the Wilkinson Trail to walk the battlefield. Stand where American and British soldiers clashed in 1777.

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.”

Visit the curious monument to Benedict Arnold’s bravery.

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.

Climb Bemus Heights, where American cannons held the high ground and forced the British retreat.

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.

A reconstructed 18th-century blockhouse made partly with original Revolutionary timbers, offering exhibits on local life during the war.

Afternoon – Homes, Surrenders, and Monuments

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.

Explore the country estate of Revolutionary leader Philip Schuyler, rebuilt in just 29 days after being burned by retreating British troops.

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.

Baroness Riedesel sheltered wounded soldiers here under cannon fire. Still privately owned, this is one of the most authentic surviving Revolutionary homes.

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.

A 155-foot granite obelisk marking the American victory. Climb for panoramic views of the Hudson Valley.

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.

Stand on the ground where Burgoyne surrendered his army on October 17, 1777. Outdoor exhibits bring the moment to life.

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."

Walk the “Field of Grounded Arms,” where British troops stacked their weapons after surrender.

Evening – Reflect and Relax

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.

A dramatic volcanic outcrop where General Stark’s troops blocked the British escape. The view over the Hudson still feels commanding today.

Olde Bryan Inn

There’s a special energy here: A tradition of celebration that began in 1773 and continues today. You can feel it in the warmth of our historic dining rooms and see it in the friendly smiles of our staff. You can taste it in our thoughtfully prepared menus and cheerfully prepared special orders. You can hear it in the contented murmur of good conversation and the hustle and bustle of our tavern. Visit the Olde Bryan Inn for an authentic Saratoga restaurant experience.

Dine in a tavern dating back to 1773. Its namesake, Alexander Bryan, scouted for American forces during the campaign — and his story still echoes in the walls.

The Adelphi Hotel

The Adelphi Hotel, a cherished landmark in Saratoga Springs, has been synonymous with luxury and prestige since its grand opening in 1877. Originally established to cater to the wealthy visitors drawn to the city’s famed natural mineral springs, horse racing, and opulent resorts, the hotel quickly became a focal point of high society.

End your Revolutionary journey with modern comfort inside Saratoga’s most historic hotels.

Saratoga Arms Hotel

Discover an award winning luxury hotel located in the heart of beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs, NY steps to the Thoroughbred Races, shopping, restaurants, and museums. Our luxury hotel features 31 individually appointed rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, combining historic elegance and modern amenities. A delicious full breakfast, Wi-Fi and concierge service is included daily. Experience why the Saratoga Arms stand apart from all other hotels in Saratoga Springs!