Saratoga

Saratoga National Historic Park located in Stillwater, New York, commemorates a series of battles that took place in 1777 during the American War for Independence. Known as the Battles of Saratoga, the battles were fought between American troops and a British invasion force, and resulted in the surrender of the British Army, marking the first time in world history that a British Army had ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured French recognition and support for the United States and was crucial to the eventual victory and formation of the United States. The park is located on the upper Hudson River and consists of multiple sites of historic interest, including the only war memorial in the United States, the Boot Monument, that does not bear the name of the honoree, Benedict Arnold. These historic sites are spread out but are easily accessible by car, or for the more ambitious, there is a 100-mile bike challenge. The park’s visitor center is located on the Saratoga Battlefield, where a map and orientation film explain the significance of the site.