America's Victory at Saratoga

A timeline of events that led up to the first surrender of a British army and the turning point in America's fight for independence.

The Northern Campaign of 1777 called for British General John Burgoyne to head south from Canada, advancing along Lake Champlain and the Hudson River to Albany.

This was one of a two-pronged attack to capture Fort Ticonderoga and control Lake Champlain before moving south to Albany. British Colonel Barry St. Leger would advance from the west via New York’s Mohawk Valley, as a diversionary force.

Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of 18th century Saratoga

With an initial 9,000 troops leaving Québec with Burgoyne and allegedly more coming from the south and west, the Battles of Saratoga should not have led to a British defeat.

Here's how it happened
July 6, 1777

Fort Ticonderoga's Capture

With an outdated infrastructure at Fort Ticonderoga, located about 80 miles north of Saratoga, and a shortage of Continental troops, American General Arthur St. Clair evacuates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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of Fort Ticonderoga
July 7, 1777

Battle of Hubbardton

British and Hessian forces under General Frederich Riedesel and General Simon Fraser attack but fail to trap the Continental troops retreating from Fort Ticonderoga.
August 16, 1777

Battle of Bennington

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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of Revolutionary era soliders
August 1777

Stumbling Blocks

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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of a Revolutionary War battle
August 22, 1777

St. Leger's Withdrawal

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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of British Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger
September 19, 1777

Battle of Freeman's Farm

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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of General Benedict Arnold
October 7, 1777

The Battle of Bemis Heights

Burgoyne sends out a reconnaissance in force in an attempt to gather information on the American defenses. The armies clash a second time and again Benedict Arnold plays a major role in the attack, leading the American forces to victory. British forces suffer heavy losses and begin their retreat north.
October 8-16, 1777

Burgoyne's retreat

Burgoyne and his remaining 5,000 troops retreat north to the area now known as Schuylerville, waiting in vain for reinforcements. Meanwhile, more American militia arrive, increasing Gates' forces to 14,000. They surround Burgoyne's troops, cutting off their ability to retreat.
October 17, 1777

America's Turning Point

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.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of Burgoyne's Surrender
December 18, 1777

Thanksgiving Proclamation

The Continental Congress issues a proclamation declaring a national day of thanksgiving in part due to the victory at Saratoga.
Paper with torn edges and a digital rendering of Thanksgiving Proclamation
February 6, 1778

Treaty of Alliance

The United States of America and France sign the Treaty of Alliance in which France formally recognizes the United States as an independent nation and pledges military assistance against Great Britain. France's assistance proves crucial in enabling the United States to continue its fight for independence and achieve victory in the war.
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