Saratoga National Historical Park
648 NY-32, Stillwater, NY
Saratoga National Historical Park
Date of Battle: October 7, 1777
The Battle
Despite losses at Fort Stanwix and Bennington, General John Burgoyne continues his march south through upstate New York. General Horatio Gates takes command of an army on the heights near Saratoga, where militia continue to swell his ranks.
Burgoyne tries to force his way past the Continentals, but is confronted by Continentals led by General Benedict Arnold, first at Freeman’s Farm, then a few weeks later at Bemis Heights. Arnold takes the fight to the enemy, against the orders of General Gates. He manages to force the British to pull back each time.
Cut off from his supply lines, General Burgoyne agrees to surrender his army at Saratoga. Gates is credited with a major American victory.
Visiting the Battleground
Saratoga National Historical Park, authorized in 1938, preserves and protects sites associated with the battles, siege, and surrender of British forces at Saratoga, which were decisive events in the winning of American independence. The Park is comprised of four non-contiguous sites in Stillwater and Saratoga, New York.
The visitor center is located in the Saratoga Battlefield unit of the park.
Visitor Center Address: 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY
Significant sites of interest in the park include:
- Saratoga Battlefield: This unit of the park includes both the American and British Camps, as well as areas where fighting occurred during the Battles of Saratoga. A paved, self-guiding 10-mile tour road includes ten interpretive stops. You can stop at the Freeman Farm Overlook, Neilson Farm, American River Fortifications (Bemis Heights), Chatfield Farm, Barber Wheatfield, Balcarres Redoubt (Freeman Farm), Breymann Redoubt, Burgoyne’s Headquarters, The Great Redoubt, and the Fraser Burial Site and Trail. Saratoga Battlefield also has several miles of hiking trails, including the 4 ½ mile Wilkinson Trail.
- The Saratoga Monument: The Saratoga Monument Association was formed by a group of local residents in 1856. Jared C. Markham was chosen as the architect and the Booth Brothers of New York City as the builders of the monument. The cornerstone was laid in October 1877, on the 100th anniversary of Burgoyne’s surrender. The Monument, a rock-faced granite obelisk that stands 154 ½ feet tall, is situated on a high bluff upon the grounds of Burgoyne’s last camp overlooking the Hudson Valley. The Monument is located in the Village of Victory, approximately 8 miles north of Saratoga Battlefield. Visitors may climb up its 188 steps to take in amazing views of the surrounding area, with up to 30+ mile visibility on clear days.
- Victory Woods: This 22-acre parcel of land marks the final encampment site for the British Army under General John Burgoyne prior to their October 17, 1777 surrender to American forces under General Horatio Gates. An accessible boardwalk and pathway runs about ½ mile through Victory Woods. The path also has interpretive signs that help tell the story of the last stand for Burgoyne's surrounded army. Victory Woods is located in the Village of Victory, about 8 1/2 miles north of the Battlefield.
- 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. The accessible sidewalk curves through the site and ends at a grand bronze sculpture overlooking the Hudson River. The memorial is located on Route 4, one mile south of Schuylerville.
Check the Saratoga National Historical Park web site for hours of operation and program information.
Don’t Miss!
The John and Lydia Neilson House in the Saratoga Battlefield: John and Lydia Neilson, married in 1775, built this house on land he had leased. When they learned the British army was invading New York, Lydia returned to her parents’ home in Stillwater and John joined the local militia. Officers of the American army occupied the Neilson’s home beginning in early September 1777. General Enoch Poor of New Hampshire and General Benedict Arnold of Connecticut were quartered in the house according to an account from the time of the battles.
Insider Tips!
Through the Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide Program, you can hire a private Official Saratoga Battlefield Guide to lead you or your group through the story and setting of one of America's most important battlefields.
→ Have you been here? Do you have suggestions for others who are passionate about history and want to make the most of their visit, or recommendations for things nearby that every history lover should see? Please send them in and we may add them to this page.
Contributor: This list of major Revolutionary War Battles and descriptions was written by Michael Troy, the creator and host of the American Revolution Podcast, who selected these sites and described the battles.
Photo: "Misty Morning at Bemis Heights." National Park Service, public domain.
Editor: Creation of this trip, including additional research on visiting these historic sites by Donna Keesling, editor at The History List.
Updated April 8, 2022
List of trips to this site
- Major Battles of the Revolutionary War Worth Visiting
- Road Trip to the Major Battlegrounds of the American Revolution