History in Our Backyard: The Battles of Saratoga

The Battles of Saratoga

How Two Decisive Battles Affected the American Revolution

In a journal entry, Major Henry Dearborn recorded the Battles of Saratoga as “one of the Greatest battles that Ever was fought in America.” Many historians would agree. Considered one of the 15 most decisive battles in world history, the Battles of Saratoga are known as the turning point in the Revolutionary War. The Battles consisted of two separate assaults that were fought eighteen days apart, first in Stillwater and ending in Saratoga Springs. In a plan to end the American rebellion British General “Gentleman Johnny” John Burgoyne thought that he and his troops had the perfect plan to gain control of the Hudson River Valley. If Britain overtook Upstate New York they believed they could then separate New England from its other colonies.

Burgoyne and his troops had marched down from Canada and had two more sets of troops marching north to meet him. His plan, “a three-pronged attack,” was a good idea had it worked. The first battle, generally referred to as Freeman’s Farm, began on September 19, 1777. The day was technically a victory for the British for they held their ground causing American troops to retreat, but Burgoyne lost two men for every one American soldier. In the two and a half weeks leading up to the second battle, activity remained quiet, but British forces grew weaker by the day. Cold weather began to set in, supplies were dwindling and the soldiers had to strenuously work to keep shelter. The British started with about 7500 men and by October 6th their numbers had diminished to about 6500.

On October 7th, the second fight, the Battle of Bemis Heights occurred. General Burgoyne, his troops and their German allies were ruthlessly attacked by American troops led by Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. Burgoyne held out as long as he could in hope that a supporting attack from Albany would force the Americans to split their troops. But his support, General William Howe and company never got the message and marched towards Philadelphia instead. British losses were four to one, and when it was clear that there were no other options, Burgoyne called a council of war.

After lengthy negotiations Burgoyne surrendered to 20,000 American troops on October 17, 1777.  Burgoyne returned to England disgraced and when news of the Patriot’s victory reached the rest of Europe, France then entered the war on America’s side. Along with France’s support, the country provided much needed supplies, money, soldiers and naval backing to continue the fight against England. Later on in the Revolutionary War, America owed a lot of its successes to France’s aid.

Comprised of four separate stops – Freeman’s Farm, the General Philip Schuyler House, the Saratoga Monument and Victory Woods, the Saratoga National Historic Park commemorates the site where America defeated England and changed the direction of the Revolutionary War. The Saratoga Monument is a 155-foot obelisk with four niches carved on it – three of which hold statues for American generals Gates, Schuyler and Colonel Daniel Morgan. The fourth niche, where Arnold’s statue would go, is empty. Arnold injured his foot in two previous fights, and again severely during the battle at Bemis Heights. That was the last time Arnold fought as a soldier (and valiantly at that); although, General Arnold is remembered for his courage during the Battles, with an unnamed memorial: the Boot Monument. Victory Woods, located about 8.5 miles north of the Battlefield in the Village of Victory marks the final encampment site for General Burgoyne’s army.

Guided tours of all the sites are available, but all are easily accessible for self-guided tours. War buffs, historians and residents use the space for different things. Whether for war reenactments or as bike trail, it’s still fascinating to visit places knowing that a few simple choices made right in our backyard has had such a significant impact on our history. This October 17th will mark the 235th anniversary of England’s surrender. On a nice day, you can explore the areas and just imagine what unfolded almost two and half centuries ago – before Benedict Arnold pulled a ‘Benedict Arnold’, and back when we still had ties to the British…

Click here for more information on the Saratoga National Historic Park.

–Aubree Cutkomp is an Assistant Editor for The Free George.

The Free George is the online magazine and visitors’ guide of Upstate NY, covering things from Albany to Lake Placid, including Saratoga, the Lake George region and the Adirondacks. Check out our City Blogs section for our extended coverage areas as well.

 

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