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Centennial Site
Saratoga National Historical Park
648 Route 32
Stillwater, NY 12170-1604
Park Office: (518) 664-9821E-mail: sara_info@nps.gov
Site of the first significant American military victory during the Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga rank among the 15 most decisive battles in world history. Here, in 1777, American forces met, defeated and forced a major British army to surrender, an event that led France to recognize the independence of the United States and enter the war as a decisive military ally of the struggling Americans.
First authorized as a New York State park in 1927 on the sesquicentennial of the battles, the battlefield was made part of the National Park System in 1938 when Saratoga National Historical Park was authorized by the U.S. Congress.
The park now comprises three separate units: the 4-square-mile battlefield in Stillwater, N.Y., the General Philip Schuyler House 8 miles north in Schuylerville and the Saratoga Monument in the nearby village of Victory. The park is located on the upper Hudson River in an area possessing significant natural and cultural attractions appealing to a wide range of visitors from around the world.
The park is visited by more than 250,000 persons annually, mostly between June and October. The Schuyler House is open during the summer months only and receives as many as 10,000 visits during that time. The Saratoga Monument is currently closed for renovations, which are planned for completion in 1999.
The Battlefield Visitor Center in Stillwater is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, when the park is closed. The Tour Road is open usually from April 1 to mid-November, depending upon weather conditions. The Schuyler House is open for guided tours Friday through Sunday from June through Labor Day Weekend. An annual schedule of Special Events is available from the park. These programs are subject to change or cancellation so calling ahead for up-to-date information on specific events is recommended.
The climate at Saratoga is typical of the Northeast United States and can change quickly. During the summer months, dress for warm-to-hot days and comfortable-to-cool evenings. Sudden storms with high winds are not uncommon and having rain gear at hand is advisable. Comfortable footwear and insect repellent are advisable if walking the battlefield's paths and trails.
Saratoga National Historical Park is located 40 miles north of Albany and about 15 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. Take Northway (I-87) Exit 12 and follow the signs.
There is no public transportation serving the three park units. The nearest airport with regularly scheduled flights is Albany. Train service is provided by AMTRAK to Saratoga Springs. To reach the park by motor vehicle:
- From Montreal and points north: Take Northway (I-87) Exit 14 and follow the signs for Route 29 East to Schuylerville where the Schuyler House and Saratoga Monument are located. Eight miles south on Route 4 you will find the main entrance to the battlefield.
- From Albany and points south: Take Northway (I-87) Exit 12 and follow the park signs to the battlefield.
- From points east or west: Use Route 29 to Schuylerville.
Transportation within the battlefield is by personal vehicle, foot or bicycle.
The per-vehicle fee for touring the battlefield from May 1 to Nov. 1 is $4, $2 per adult if walking or biking. Fees for commercial tour buses range from $25-$100 based on seating capacity. An annual park pass costs $10. Holders of Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Golden Access passes are admitted free. These passes are available at the visitor center or at any U.S. Federal Fee area. There is no charge to visit the General Philip Schuyler House or the Saratoga Monument.
The park visitor center at the battlefield has an information desk and bookstore staffed year round. A 20-minute introductory film is shown every half-hour to orient visitors. A small museum contains artifacts from the time of the battles including the original 'Surrender Cannons.' Thematic seasonal exhibits are also offered throughout the year.
The Battlefield Tour Road starts at the end of the visitor center parking lot and is a single-lane, one-way road that loops through the American defensive positions, then the actual battle sites, and finishes at the British defensive positions overlooking the Hudson River. There are 10 interpretive stops along the road including the Neilson House, which served as the headquarters of the American generals during the battles. This, the only surviving 1777 structure on the battlefield, is staffed by costumed park guides during the summer months and is the scene of regularly scheduled military encampments and demonstrations.
The trail system on the battlefield features the Wilkinson National Historic Trail, developed and maintained in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. This 4.5-mile route winds through some of the most significant areas associated with the Battles of Saratoga. After hiking the trail the Scouts complete a prepared questionnaire, which is available at the visitor center information desk. Having successfully accomplished these activities, the participants may purchase a medal and/or patch provided by the Twin Rivers Boy Scout Council.
There are also some 6 miles of historic road traces suitable for hiking. Contact the visitor center prior to use as trail conditions may vary depending on weather and park maintenance activities. A trail map is available at the information desk.
The staff and park volunteers provide a number of educational programs to local schools, either at the park site or in the classroom. Contact the park to obtain information on arranging these programs. The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield sponsor many programs and activities during the year that assist the park in carrying out its educational mission.
During the winter and spring, the park hosts a Frost Faire, a March for Parks fundraiser and a Crown Forces encampment. During the summer, the battlefield offers the annual Fourth of July celebration, colonial demonstrations, military encampments and interpretive programs on topics ranging from colonial history to the environment. In September, the park hosts an annual event to commemorate the two battles. It includes programs centered on the American, British, German and Canadian forces encamped as they were in the fall of 1777.
From June to Labor Day weekend, the summer home of Gen. Philip Schuyler, the noted statesman and military leader, is open to the public, free of charge, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costumed volunteers and park staff provide guided tours of this 1777 dwelling - built within about 30 days after the battles - and share the story of the Schuyler family, their homes, and Gen. Schuyler's military and political contributions during the American Revolution. In mid-October, a candlelight tour of the Schuyler House is given by the Old Saratoga Historical Society. Celebrating with warm spiced cider, homemade cookies and period music, this annual event marks the end of the visitor season for the Schuyler House.
The Saratoga Monument is an imposing 155-foot obelisk begun in 1877 to commemorate the Battles of Saratoga and Gen. Burgoyne's surrender and dedicated in 1912. On each face of the monument there is a niche for the statues of the principal American commanding officers: Horatio Gates, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan and Benedict Arnold. Arnold's niche is empty in testament to his later treachery and exile in England. Although the interior is presently closed to visitors, the grounds are open and have informative signs that will help the visitor understand the story of this prominent memorial structure.
There are no facilities maintained by the park for camping or lodging but there are nearby private campgrounds, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. During the racing season at Saratoga (end of July and all of August) few lodging vacancies will be found in this area. Contact the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-526-8970 for information on area visitor facilities and services.
There are a few restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations located in the vicinity of the park. Directions may be obtained at the visitor center information desk.
The Eastern National Park and Monument Association operates a sales area in the visitor center offering a wide variety of books, glass and ceramics associated with American Colonial and Revolutionary War themes. There is also a selection of videotapes and a battlefield auto-tour tape that may be rented or purchased.
The visitor center restrooms, theaters and bookstore are all accessible, as are the stops on the Tour Road. The interiors of the Schuyler House and Saratoga Monument are not accessible at this time.
A special access road up to the visitor center starts at the beginning of the parking lot where the picnic area is located. This leads up to a small parking lot next to the visitor center where a suitable paved pathway connects to the main entrance.
Pick up your tour road pass while visiting the visitor center and view the orientation film and exhibits. With the park's brochure or tour tape to guide you, drive through the rolling landscape of the battlefield. Stop and see the wayside exhibits, the Neilson Farm House and the famous 'Boot' monument, a 19th-century tribute to the legendary heroic acts and wounding of Gen. Benedict Arnold during the second battle.
You may also enjoy a hike or walk through the park's many fields and wooded areas, which are rich in flowers and wildlife. Biking is also a popular way to tour the park although you will have to provide your own bike. All vehicles, including bikes, must stay on the park's paved road system at all times.
In winter, cross-country skiing is allowed but no ski trails are maintained or groomed by the park. Picnic areas and restroom facilities are located at the visitor enter area and at designated stops on the Tour Road.
Certain park facilities may be used by organized groups upon prior arrangement and with the permission of the park superintendent. Application for a Special Use Permit should be in writing and submitted 30 days prior to the proposed activity. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information concerning special uses or filming permits and the fees charged, call the park at (518) 664-9821. Reservations for school group programs and other educational groups must be made in advance.
An overnight stay in the area is suggested to allow time to visit and enjoy the park's many features. Some areas within the park are privately owned; please respect the rights of the owners.
The annual schedule of Special Events for the season is posted on the park's activities page. Other programs are announced during the season. For details, call the visitor center at (518) 664-9821 or write to the park.
A park brochure and this year's Special Events schedule may be obtained by e-mail (sara_info@nps.gov) or by writing to: Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY 12170-1604.