We have reached the turning point in the American Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga, New York! And just like it took the Americans two attempts, our visit to Saratoga National Historical Park also took two tries. Although we weren’t turned back by an opposing side, we retreated on our first visit due to tropical downpours. But returned a second day to learn more, and get soaked again by heavy rains! However, our determination paid off, and we left with a new understanding and appreciation for this pivotal point in the American Revolution.
As with previous stops on our tour of historical sites in New York, there are many interpretive signs to explain the events that occurred here, as well as very knowledgable park rangers at key locations to answer your questions. So I’ll leave it to them to give you the complete history. The following is my brief interpretation of what happened here in the autumn of 1777.
Picture if you will, it was the summer of 1777, the war had been going on for two years now, and you’re living in upstate New York, with battles all around you. That’s when you get word that Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne with his powerful British troops were headed to your vicinity. What do you do? Well the Neilson family, along with their neighbors, evacuated to safety. What John and Lydia Neilson didn’t realize when they packed up their toddler and infant, was that their small farmhouse would soon become the headquarters for the American cause as Benedict Arnold’s divisional headquarters and Enoch Poor’s brigade headquarters during the Battles of Saratoga!
Within the walls of this restored home, Major General Benedict Arnold and Brigadier General Enoch Poor devised their plans to confront the most powerful military in the world!
And they lost the First Battle of Saratoga. On September 19, 1777 the two armies met at a farm, owned by the Freemans. After fighting for three hours, the British called in the support of nearby German troops. Benedict Arnold also called for reinforcements, but was denied. He knew his battle weary troops were no match and withdrew, giving the victory to the British. Although satisfied with the win, the British were also rattled by the strong American resistance.
For weeks General John Burgoyne waited, to see what the Americans’ next move would be, all the while watching precious food supplies diminish. Not willing to wait any longer, on October 7, 1777, Burgoyne marched his troops to gain more information on the American position, and to get some much need grain in a wheat field for his hungry army. Arnold investigated this movement of the British, and recommended an all out attack. This time he was not denied, and the Second Battle of Saratoga began at approximately 4:00 PM.
After a key British general was mortally wounded in the wheat field, the British retreated to regroup at a log fort at Freeman’s Farm. The Americans pursued but failed to capture that fort, until Arnold realized there was a less defended fort to focus his attention.
It was during this battle at Breymann’s camp that Benedict Arnold was wounded in the leg, which is immortalized in this monument erected in 1887. “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.” Note though his name is not included on the monument. Despite his instrumental role in this victory, Arnold’s later betrayal of the Americans cannot be ignored.
Here is a smaller model of the monument that’s easier to see. With feelings still strong against Arnold, over 200 years later, the original monument is protected behind a fence. A reminder that humans are such complicated creatures.
As darkness began to fall, the Second Battle of Saratoga ended as a resounding American victory! Burgoyne and his troops retreated in a torrential thunderstorm, only to be surrounded and outnumbered at the village of Saratoga. It was at this time that Burgoyne surrendered.
Ponder that for a moment, the most powerful army in the world surrendered! This was huge tactical victory for the Americans, changing the course of the American Revolution and history of the world! Join me tomorrow as I share more about the surrender, and the role a native of Maine played in the surrender negotiations.
The Saratoga National Historical Park consists of five sites, including the Battlefield, which is a 10-mile self-guided driving tour, with audio tour and informational signs. Dogs on-leash are welcome at the sites, but not inside any of the buildings. To plan your visit and learn more about the incredible events that took place here, please visit nps.gov.
