A distortion of its Haudenosaunee name, possibly meaning “the hillside country of the quiet river,” modern-day Saratoga County is located just north of Albany, New York, and was a vital crossroad during the second year of the American Revolutionary War.
Positioned between Lake George and the Hudson River, the relatively open land of this region connects what were two vital transportation routes, especially during the 1700s. These waterborne highways allowed for the rapid transfer of troops and supplies by boat.
This advantage was a key reason that the British military planned for three armies to advance from opposite directions towards Albany in 1777. A strategy that on paper would allow the British to cutoff New England from the rest of the rebellious colonies, and move their forces quickly between Montreal and the city of New York. A plan that was never realized.
For over a month in the Fall of 1777, the northern British Army under John Burgoyne fought against stiff American resistance throughout Saratoga County, engaging in major battles at Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. These actions reduced Burgoyne’s army to a critical level of men and supplies.
But instead of retreating, Burgoyne dug-in, because he believed support would arrive soon from British General’s William Howe and Barry St. Leger – reinforcements that never came.
Instead, General Howe advanced toward the American Capital in Philadelphia, electing not to come up the Hudson River to help Burgoyne, while General St. Leger was turned back at the Battle of Oriskany.
Subsequently outnumbered and nearly out of supplies, Burgoyne surrendered to American forces on October 17th. This surrender would lead France to formally recognize the United States as an independent nation and join the fight on the American side.
Using $200,000 in financial support from a Battlefield Interpretation Grant, Saratoga County will implement an interpretation plan to enhance visitor engagement at sites relating to the Saratoga Campaign of 1777.
By installing new waysides, interactive map tables, and providing augmented reality experiences, the County intends to highlight lesser-known events and perspectives of the battles of Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. Including stories from American Patriots, Loyalists, German Mercenaries, and Native Tribes involved in the conflict.
Battlefield Interpretation Grants from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program support preservation partners efforts to modernize and enhance battlefield interpretation.
Helping to create learning environments that inspire diverse audiences to visit, understand, and empathize with the soldiers and civilians that witnessed some of our nation’s most challenging events.
In addition to this grant opportunity, the program also provides financial assistance through Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants, Battlefield Restoration Grants, and Preservation Planning Grants, to help generate community-driven stewardship of historic resources at the state, tribal and local levels.
Illustration: A map from Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution by Benson J Lossing showing the Battles of Saratoga.
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