Battles of Saratoga

In one of the most significant battles of the Revolution, Patriot forces under Generals Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates ultimately defeated British forces under Generals John Burgoyne and Henry Clinton.

Two battles took place at Saratoga - one at Freeman's Farm on September 9, and the other at Bemis Heights on October 9, 1777. Gates was defeated at Freeman's Farm but at Bemis Heights, Arnold launched a relentless counterattack on Burgoyne's battered army that resulted in such horrible casualties that the British were forced to surrender. The Patriots were aided by the failure of two British military detachments to arrive at the battle on time. The lack of reinforcements resulted in the British surrender of 9,000 soldiers.

Saratoga marked the turning point in the war and proved to the world that this new nation
could exist independently. France promptly recognized America's independence from England, and pledged to support the Patriots in the war against their common enemy.

United States Landmarks