Saratoga

**Article By Spencer Schaeberle**
 * Saratoga**



The Battle of Saratoga took place September 19th to October 17th, 1777. The battle occurred at Freeman's Farm near Saratoga, New York and at Bemis Heights near Saratoga, New York. During this battle, 800 American soldiers were wounded, captured, or missing. There were 1600 British soldiers killed, wounded, or missing and 6,000 British soldiers were captured. The American commander during the Battle of Saratoga was General Horatio Gates and the British commander was General John Burgoyne.

The events leading up to the Battle of Saratoga began when General Burgoyne planned to advance to Albany, New York by traveling by Lake Champlain and Lake George. Another British officer, Sir Henry Clinton, planned to arrive in Albany by the Hudson River. When Burgoyne left to travel to Albany, he had one of the best equipped armies outside of England. The British Commander traveled past Lake Champlain forcing the evacuations of Crown Point, Fort Anne, and Ticonderoga. However, instead of traveling by Lake George, General Burgoyne, traveled for three weeks by land building his own roads and bridges. The three weeks gave time for Washington to re-enforce the troops from southern divisions.

 Freeman's Farm: In August of 1777, American commander Gates traveled to meet with Burgoyne. Washington sent more American troops with Gates to defeat the British and Burgoyne. Gates stopped at Bemis Heights and was met there by Burgoyne who came to attack the Americans. This battle lasted for three hours and the Americans were beginning to beat the British since the Americans had a larger force. However, the Germans soon joined the British and the Americans began to run out of ammunition. Americans left the field and the British won this fight, but could not advance any farther towards the American forces.

Burgoyne waited near Freeman's Farm for three weeks for help from Clinton. Burgoyne was low on supplies and the American forces continued to grow larger.

Bemis Heights: In October 1777, 1,500 British soldiers began an attack on the American forces at Bemis Height. Major General Benedict Arnold joined the American soldiers to fight against the British and eventually the Germans withdrew from fighting this day. The British forces returned to Freeman's Farm and the American Soldiers believed they won this battle. Fighting at Bemis Heights ended during the night and overall Burgoyne lost 1,000 soldiers. During the Bemis Heights battle, the Americans lost 500 soldiers from fighting. Burgoyne soon returned to Saratoga, New York with his 6,000 soldiers and became surrounded by the 20,000 American soldiers.

The End of the Battle: On October 17, 1777, Burgoyne surrendered. The Convention of Saratoga was formed and this allowed Burgoyne to leave camp keeping his colors and his honor. His soldiers surrendered their weapons and were allowed to return to England.

Due to the victory at the Battle of Saratoga, General Gates became known as the "Hero of Saratoga". After France learned of the American victory at Saratoga, France joined the Americans and declared war on England. Spain then followed and also declared war on England.

This battle helped to end the American Revolutionary War.