America’s Victory at Saratoga
With an outdated infrastructure at Fort Ticonderoga, located about 80 miles north of Saratoga, and a shortage of Continental troops, American General Arthur St. Clair evacuates the fort to avoid being surrounded and overwhelmed by Burgoyne’s advancing army.
Burgoyne sends out a force to capture supplies that have been stockpiled in Bennington, VT. The Americans, led by General John Stark, clashed with the British in Walloomsac, NY, decisively defeating the British, inflicting heavy losses, denying Burgoyne much-needed supplies, and weakening the British troops’ morale.
Burgoyne’s advance towards Albany is slowed by logistical challenges including supply shortages following the devastating losses at the Battle of Bennington. This delay gives American General Horatio Gates critical time to situate his troops into defensive positions on the heights above the Hudson River as well as request more troops.
British Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger and his troops abandon their unsuccessful siege of Fort Schuyler and retreat west from the Mohawk Valley to Fort Oswego and later north to Montréal, meaning no British column from the west will be joining Burgoyne in Albany.
In the first Saratoga Battle, Burgoyne’s troops advance in three columns and engage in a long and bloody battle with American troops under General Gates. While Gates wanted to take a more defensive approach, Benedict Arnold convinces him to allow some of his troops, including Morgan’s Rifle Corps to move north and meet the British. The battle ends with the British holding their ground but beleaguered by heavy casualties – losing two men for every American.
Burgoyne surrenders his sword to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga, marking the first time in history that a British army surrendered. A depiction of this momentous event, painted by John Trumbull, is located in the United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. The pivotal American victory at Saratoga helps to secure international support and compels France to sign the Treaty of Alliance, formally recognizing the United States as an independent nation and pledging military assistance. France’s aide proves crucial in enabling the United States to continue its fight for independence and achieve victory in the war.
The Continental Congress issues a proclamation declaring a national day of thanksgiving in part due to the victory at Saratoga.
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