Most people are aware that there is a historic battlefield located right down the road in the town of Saratoga. You may also know that a famous battle took place there. But when it comes to the details, that is when most people get a little hazy.
So, following is my very brief and succinct recap of the events leading up to the battle, as well as the battle itself.
On July 4, 1776 representatives from the thirteen American colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. This document formed a union that would become a new nation – the United States of America. The colonies, which were at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states and no longer part of the British Empire.
Although General Washington and the colonists were experiencing small wins in a number of skirmishes, it was certainly not enough to dissuade the British army. Both camps were steadfast to secure victory for their country.
In 1777 the British army was intent on ending the rebellion as quickly as possible.
British General John Burgoyne planned to march from Canada down the Hudson to Albany, joining forces with General Howe, who Burgoyne thought would be marching from the west to join him. Their combined forces would have split the colonies and most likely assured victory for Britain.
However Howe decided to march south to seize Philadelphia and destroy Washington’s continental army. Because communication was so slow, especially given the unknown terrain, this message did not reach Burgoyne in a timely manner.
The rough and rugged American terrain turned out to be much more than Burgoyne had bargained for, slowing down supply lines and overall troop movement. While the British were trudging south through the wilderness, the colonists were gathering their forces.
An initial large battle took place in Bennington, Vermont. A group of Burgoyne’s soldiers was confronted by a larger group of colonists. The colonists won a decisive victory and killed many of Burgoyne’s men, proving that the Colonists were a force to be reckoned with.
Enter Benedict Arnold. Despite his traitorous place in American history, Arnold was one of the most competent battlefield commanders that the Colonist Army had at the time. He was bold, decisive and a born leader.
As the colonists were preparing for the arrival of Burgoyne’s forces, the colonial army set up position on a set of bluffs about 10 miles from Saratoga Springs. This is the location of the ‘Battle of Saratoga.’
On September 19, fearing his supplies would soon run out, Burgoyne launched a premature, yet major attack.
The first day of fighting was ferocious, with both sides losing many men. Unfortunately for Burgoyne he didn’t have any access to additional men, his supplies were running low, and the colonial numbers continued to swell, especially after the news of the Bennington victory.
Benedict Arnold proved extremely valuable during this skirmish. However Arnold’s commanding officer, General Gates, sat in his tent during the battle and failed to mention Arnold in his report to congress. Rather he took credit for the colonial success.
In the next large battle, while disobeying his commanding officer, Arnold took charge of three army regiments and ultimately forced a British surrender. Arnold fought brilliantly and led his men into an outstanding defeat of Burgoyne’s army. On October 17, with few men, little rations and nowhere to retreat, Burgoyne surrendered himself and his groups to the American colonists.
This battle (of Saratoga) ended whatever possibilities the British had to suppress the rebellion. The victory also meant immediate aid from France, further diminishing any hopes of British victory.
There you go. Now the next time your uncle Morty from Wichita, Kansas visits and asks “What is the deal with the Battle of Saratoga?”, you can confidently look him in the eyes and explain how American history was made in your back yard.
- God Bless, Chad
