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Founding the Nation Trail

The Saratoga Campaign: June-October 1777

Introduction

The Saratoga Campaign of 1777 was the most decisive event of the Revolutionary War. Fought across a vast area, it involved soldiers and warriors from America, Britain, Germany, and Native American peoples. Ultimately, American troops forced a British army to surrender on the banks of the Hudson River in New York State. This crucial victory renewed Patriots’ hopes for independence, secured essential foreign recognition and support, and forever changed the face of the world.

1

British Invasion: His Majesty’s Fort at Crown Point

In June 1777, Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne assembled some 9,000 British, German, Loyalist, and Native...
2

Under the British Cannon: Mount Defiance

Mount Defiance (also called “Sugar Loaf”) towered over American fortifications at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence,...
3

Rebel Bastion: Mount Independence

Mount Independence was one of the largest fortifications built during the American Revolution.  ogether with...
4

Delaying Burgoyne: Hubbardon Battlefield

The Patriot army, forced out of Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence on 6 July 1777,...
5

Moving the Guns: The LaChute River Portage

The portage, or overland route, between Lake Champlain and Lake George rises 221 feet over...
6

Atrocities: The Murder of Jane McCrea

Accompanying General Burgoyne on his Northern Campaign were several hundred Native warriors. Serving as scouts...
7

To Stand and Fight: Neilson Farm

As summer turned to autumn,  Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates replaced the sickly and exhausted Schuyler....
8

Key Terrain: American River Fortifications

The terrain that Colonel Kosciuszko selected for fortification proved to be ideal for defense. Cannon...
9

Wilderness Outpost: Fort Stanwix (Schuyler)

As General Burgoyne’s main body moved south in early July, about 600 British, German, Canadian,...
10

Massacre in the Woods: Battle of Oriskany

As St. Leger’s troops tightened their siege of Fort Stanwix in early August, a Patriot...
11

The Tide Turns: Battle of Bennington (Walloomsac)

On 16 August 1777, a force of around 2,300 militiamen led by Brig. Gen. John...
12

A Stand Up Fight: Battle of Freeman’s Farm (First Saratoga)

To avoid the danger posed by the American fortifications by the Hudson River, General Burgoyne...
13

British Diversion: Battles of Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery

To threaten the Patriot’s southern flank, a British expedition commanded by Lt. Gen. Sir Henry...
14

A Decisive Clash: The Battle of Bemus Heights (Second Saratoga)

For nearly three weeks, the two enemy forces at Saratoga licked their wounds. As autumn...
15

Burgoyne’s Ordeal: Trapped in Victory Woods

Following their defeat on 7 October 1777, Burgoyne’s forces retreated to high ground seven miles...
16

Burgoyne’s Defeat: Surrender Site

“The fortune of war, General Gates, has made me your prisoner,” General Burgoyne said to...
17

Patriot Triumph: Saratoga Victory Monument

The surrender of Burgoyne’s army was one of the most decisive victories in American and...