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Saratoga National Historical ParkJohn Neilson Farmhouse: this small, red, one-room building is the only structure on the battlefield from the time of the battles.
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Saratoga National Historical Park
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: What war was this, for the Battles of Saratoga?
A: The American Revolutionary War.

Q: Why was the Battle of Saratoga important?
A: The Battles of Saratoga (there were actually two battles, September 19, 1777 and October 7, 1777) were a major American victory, one that assured criticial international recognition and aid and helped secure the independence of the United States.

Q: How long did the Battles take place?
A: The first day of fighting, September 19th, 1777, lasted from about 12:30 p.m. to about 5:00 p.m. The second day, October 7, 1777, lasted from about 3:00 p.m. until about 5:00 p.m.

Q: How many people were killed in the Battles?
A: The British side lost about 1500 men, the American side about 800.

Q: Are the Battlefield and the Park the same thing?
A: Saratoga National Historical Park is actually made up of three sites, none of them physically touching the others: the Battlefield (in Stillwater, NY), Schuyler House (in Schuylerville, NY, about 8 miles north of the Battlefield) and the Saratoga Monument (in Victory, about 3/4 miles west of Schuyler House).

Q: How big is the Park?
A: The Park is about 3400 acres in size. The Battlefield is the largest of the three Park units, at about 3000 acres.

Q: How many soldiers fought in the Battles of Saratoga?
A: September 19, 1777 --British: about 7500; American: about 8500

October 7, 1777 --British: about 6800; American: about 13000

Q: Is there a comprehensive list of all the soldiers who fought in the Battles of Saratoga?
A: Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive list.  Further, many variables exist between different sources for such information, such as which army (German, British, American), which state, Continental versus Milita troops, etc. 

Q: Isn't it true that Benedict Arnold was the hero of Saratoga?
A: Many perspectives exist on who played the most important role(s) in the Battles of Saratoga, each with evidence worth consideration.

A park volunteer, dressed as an American soldier, helps orient visitors to what they are seeing.  

Did You Know?
Not all American soldiers during the Revolutionary War used dark blue uniforms trimmed with red. Some did, but a number of different colors were in use. Some of the German soldiers at the Battles of Saratoga also wore dark blue uniforms. Think it could be confusing sometimes?

Last Updated: August 20, 2006 at 17:03 EST