As you all well know, from initial discussions with landowners until transfer of properties to NPS, preservation can be a lengthy process — years if not decades. That’s what makes this recent transfer so special.

Since completing the purchase of these two tracts of land that border the Saratoga National Historical Park as far back as 2018, the Trust has acted as their steward. A 2021 minor adjustment to the park’s boundary cleared the way for the land to become federally owned and today we are excited to announce that more than 25 acres of hallowed ground now belongs to the American people — all thanks to you!

We simply cannot thank our donors and friends enough for making this work possible.

The Battles of Saratoga

Saratoga, where British and American forces clashed on September 19 and October 7, 1777, is considered by historians to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The battles saw to the first-ever surrender of a British field army, which helped to seal the alliance between the new American nation and France. Amid commemorations of the 247th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, the American Battlefield Trust is thrilled to have helped preserve over 25 acres of these hallowed grounds.

The land itself that has been transferred over to the National Park Services sits on the heights overlooking the Fish Kill, contains American artillery emplacements, and represents the southern segment of the siege line between the fighting for Bemis Heights and the ultimate surrender of the British Army. It also served as the staging area for the October 11 attempt to attack British positions, although the American attack force was recalled while crossing the river.

Like the battles that helped seal the patriot victory in the Revolutionary War, it is thanks to you that this iconic moment in American history will be preserved. Forever.