The Battles of Saratoga
At Saratoga National Historical Park in New York, a new exhibit shines light on the history of the American Revolutionary War. Thousands of light bulbs on an 8-foot by 10-foot battle map flash to show gun and cannon fire. Beams of light show troop movement.
Modern Saratoga in New York's Hudson River Valley is famous for its horse track and beautiful downtown. The region is also known as the site of some of the most important military battles in American history.
A Plan in Ruins
Why were the Battles of Saratoga so important? The battles stopped a British plan that might have led to defeat for the Americans and the end of the Revolution. According to the plan, General John Burgoyne and his army would move south from Canada along the Hudson River. At the same time, other British troops would come from the west and the south to join with Burgoyne. The goal was to control the Hudson River, cutting rebellious New England off from the other colonies.
By mid-June in 1777 the plans were underway. Burgoyne's army included thousands of British and German troops, along with hundreds of Canadians and Native Americans. As his army marched southward, Burgoyne drove American troops from Fort Ticonderoga. But as the Americans retreated, they felled trees and blocked bridges, making it hard for Burgoyne to follow.
Pushing South
Slowly, Burgoyne continued to push south. He crossed the Hudson River at what is now Schuylerville and began a march down the western side of the river. However, American General Horatio Gates assembled an army of 15,000 near Saratoga to challenge him.
American and British armies fought two battles at Saratoga. The first battle was fought on Freeman's Farm on September 19. Although the British forced the Americans from the field, the British suffered heavy casualties in the fight.
The second battle took place at Bemis Heights on October 7. Despite being outnumbered by the American forces, Burgoyne attacked. His plan failed, and on October 17 Burgyone surrendered.
France Enters the Fray
As the battles raged, American diplomats were in France trying to persuade King Louis XVI to support the American side. When news reached the king in December that the Americans had won their victory at Saratoga, Louis decided it was time to enter the war.
The French sent armies and a fleet to North America. They helped the Americans fight the British and win the war. Today the Battles of Saratoga mark an important moment in U.S. national history, and visitors to the area can follow those events in lights.