Saratoga National Historical Park in New York

Sancerres at Sunset

You don’t often see monuments to Benedict Arnold. But Saratoga National Historical Park is one place where such a thing makes sense.

Saratoga played host to two Revolutionary War battles:  the (First) Battle of Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777, and the Battle of Bemis Heights on  October 7.

Americans’ win at Saratoga was the turning point of the War, because it convinced France to come to our aid against Britain.

Benedict Arnold, Hero

The American in control of the northern Continental Army was Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates.  His second-in-command was Brigadier General Benedict Arnold.

Gen. Arnold commanded 2,000 of the 7,000 Continental soldiers at Saratoga, but his location was particularly crucial because it was the highest. It was also heavily wooded and ideal for hiding. 

First Battle of Saratoga

On September 19, the British advanced toward the Americans’ position, but the Americans fired first. 

Second Battle of Saratoga

They were still arguing on October 7, when, gathered over lunch with other officers, they heard the sounds of gunfire. 

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