By Eden Stratton | estratton@troyrecord.com

The event featured reenactors who educated attendees about the march, including details about what clothing and food the men would have worn and eaten. In addition, the event featured horse rides, sled and cannon displays, as well as food and drinks from local vendors.

“It’s great, it’s a lot of information, especially with the lady that has all the food,” attendee Marcia Burns said. “That was amazing, and the garments. That was very, very well done.”

Saratoga 250 Secretary Vinnie Asaro said the big turnout was exciting to see. He emphasized that Saratoga has lots of history to share and should be celebrated.

“We want to establish a permanent presence that promotes the Revolutionary history of Saratoga,” he said. “This place is rich in Revolutionary War history. I mean, Saratoga’s motto is ‘Health, History and Horses.’ History is part of our DNA.”

Hoping to end the Siege of Boston, Washington entrusted Knox, a 25-year-old bookseller, to move 60 tons of artillery captured from British forces at Fort Ticonderoga to assist the Continental Army. A scholarly young man, Knox would plan a dangerous and difficult 300-mile route through mountains, frozen lakes and winter roads.

“(Knox) learned everything he could about artillery from books, and General Washington gave him the task of getting (artillery) from Ticonderoga because the American army needed it,” Asaro said. “It was quite the feat. It’s called the Continental Artillery, and he was able to do that, literally traveling over Lake George and frozen areas across the Mohawk River.

“It’s quite the story.”

Present at the event was reenactor Jon Jasewicz, who portrayed General Philip Schuyler. Jasewicz said Schuyler was essential in the execution of Knox’s march, providing means and material to navigate the treacherous terrain.

“The logistical nightmare of this to make this happen — you didn’t have modern highways, didn’t have cell phones and stuff like this,” he said. “(Schuyler) made sure that they had teamsters, they had men, they had sleds, and to venture back up to Ticonderoga to help and assist Colonel Knox with whatever he needed to make this happen.”

Knox would arrive in Cambridge after 56 days, personally reporting to Washington that the train had arrived. The artillery he provided would eventually force the British to leave Boston, and marked one of the first victories for Continental Army.

“(He) eventually becomes a general, he’s put in charge of the entire Continental artillery for the rest of the war,” Asaro said. “After the war, he actually becomes Washington’s Secretary of War, so he’s quite the guy.”

Reenactor Dawn White said the event highlighted Knox and his men’s accomplishments, and recognized the importance of freedom.

“I have been left with a profound sense of gratitude, awe and love for the men and women who against all odds fought to secure our freedom here,” she said in a text. “How can we take part in such a celebration and not be left amazed at what they accomplished (?)”