OCT
17
Victory Season at Saratoga: Surrender Day Ceremony
October 17, 2024
Historic Fort Hardy Park overlooking the picturesque Hudson River
URL has been copied successfully!
The British defeat at Saratoga forced the first ever surrender by a British Army in history. Its news buoyed General Washington & America’s fight for freedom leading to formal alliance with France. Join area students celebrating the spirit of Saratoga & preserve the importance of Saratoga’s victory for generations!
Photos: Tom Stock photography
Event Details
- In the event of inclement weather, this outdoor event will be canceled.
Additional Information
Stand in the footsteps of history this October 17th , Surrender Day, at Fort Hardy Park. Head to the picturesque area directly fronting the Hudson River just off Route 29 in the Village of Schuylerville, NY.
This 247th anniversary of the British surrender at Saratoga continues to mark America’s Turning Point in its War for Independence. British General John Burgoyne’s agreement to ground their arms with American General Horatio Gates was the decisive turning point victory of the American Revolution securing France’s formal military alliance.
The Surrender Day Ceremony includes:
- live cannon firing & military reenactors,
- sing-along participation from local students & teachers,
- historical stories, and
- a recreation of the famous sword surrender.
Please bring your own chair. This is an outdoor ceremony, in the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
Photo Credits: Tom Stock photography
UPCOMING EVENTS
Revolutionary Run for Veterans at Fort Hardy Park
Saratoga250 will have a presence at the Saratoga County Revolutionary Run for Veterans, a 5k run at Fort Hardy Park which benefits Saratoga County Veterans.
Celebrating the 250th: Battles of Saratoga @250 Reenactments
Watch history come alive at the 250th Battles of Saratoga Reenactment. Two days of live muskets and maneuvers, October 9–10, 2027 in Saratoga, NY.
Celebrating the 250th: Turning Point Parade 2027
Join the Turning Point Parade marking 250 years since the Surrender at Saratoga. October 17, 2027, 10am in Schuylerville, NY.
Fall Lecture Series: Illuminating Lives: The Stories of Several Women During the American War for Independence
Using a variety of archival sources and research techniques, Saratoga National Historical Park Curator Christine Valosin will talk about six different women with ties to the Schuyler family or estate, illuminating little known stories of their lives during the turbulent years of the American War for Independence.
Fall Lecture Series: When the Declaration of Independence Was News
Published for the 250th anniversary of the United States, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain.
Fall Lecture Series: Did the Battle of Redbank bring France into the War of Independence?
Americans generally assume that the surrender of Sir John Burgoyne to General Horatio Gates at Saratoga on 17 October 1777 caused France to openly enter the American War of Independence. The American leadership interpreted the defeat at Saratoga within their military and political needs. Saratoga was of great military importance, an immense morale booster and extensively used for propaganda purposes. But France’s decision to join the American rebels came after years of preparation and was by no means monocausal.
Fall Lecture Series: They Were Good Soldiers: African Americans Serving in the Continental Army
The role of African Americans, free and enslaved, in the regiments of the Continental Army is not well-known; neither is the fact that relatively large numbers served in southern regiments and that the greatest number served alongside their white comrades in integrated units. John Rees will discuss black soldiers’ acceptance, service, and experiences during and after the War for American Independence, focusing on those who served in Continental regiments. African American women with the army will also be featured.
Keep America’s Turning Point Alive
Keep America’s Turning Point alive for generations to come by making a tax-deductible donation to the Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc. Our certified 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and preservation of critical assets of the Battles of Saratoga. Your support will help promote historical awareness of new generations of people across the region, nation, and globe.
