Posted on 10/04/2011 9:00:38 AM PDT by Pharmboy
One of the most important battlefields of the Revolutionary War is going to be excavated by archaeologists ahead of an EPA cleanup.
Back in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, General Electric dumped polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Hudson River near Saratoga, New York. The dumping was banned in 1977 due to risks to public health, and the EPA has ordered GE to dredge up the affected silt from the river. Dredging destroys archaeological sites, though, and has already damaged Fort Edward, a British fort in the area dating to the mid 18th century. Archaeologists are working to excavate the stretch of river near Saratoga before the dredgers arrive.
Saratoga was on the frontier for much of the 18th century and played a large part in the French and Indian Wars (1755-1763) and the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). During the two battles of Saratoga in September and October of 1777, the American army stopped the British advance down the Hudson River Valley, then surrounded them and forced them to surrender. It was a major victory that led to the French coming into the war on the American side. French help was one of the deciding factors in an ultimate American victory, and the creation of the United States.
The Saratoga National Historical Park 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York, includes the battlefield, a visitor center, the restored country house of American General Philip Schuyler, a monument, and Victory Woods where the British surrendered on October 17, 1777.
Archaeologists hope to find artifacts from both wars and are currently looking for a British army camp.
That's Daniel Morgan in the white, and Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne trying to give his sword to Granny Gates.
The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list...
ML/NJ
Would like to get there sometime. How far is it from Eastern PA?
One of my ancestors was captured there in 1777. He was a British soldier. After his release, he never returned to England but stayed in America and started a family here.
Try Saratoga Springs at www.saratoga.com
I haven’t read this yet but it looks interesting...
Benedict Arnold and The Battle of Saratoga: An examination of the role of Benedict Arnold during the Battle of Saratoga on September 19, 1777:
http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2003_winter_spring/arnold_saratoga.htm
See Saratoga National Historical Park for directions info and then use Google or Yahoo maps to calculate the trip.
But before you go, read Saratoga: Turning Point of America's Revolutionary War by Richard M. Ketchum if you haven't already done so.
It's pretty much on the NY eastern border.
Well, it’s about 165 miles straight north of NYC with interstate all the way; from eastern PA, either the NJ Turnpike up or I-81. Definitely worth a trip...esp. in the fall.
Hmmmmmmm...
True enough...Saratoga was changed to Saratoga Springs a while back, I believe for commercial purposes.
Without Arnold on that day, we very well could have lost that battle. His bravery was legendary...
Duh!
I've been there multiple times every year since 1966.
ML/NJ
Saratoga and Saratoga Springs are two different towns.
Hmmmmmmm...
“Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saratoga_Springs,_New_York
>>Saratoga and Saratoga Springs are two different towns.
I think that first “Saratoga” Wiki article that bcsco linked to in post 12 is in error. The “Saratoga Springs” Wiki piece that I linked to seems to have gotten it right, however.
“Not to be confused with the county with the same name or the adjoining city of Saratoga Springs.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saratoga,_New_York
“Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saratoga_Springs,_New_York
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