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.

Last updated: March 31, 2012

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

648 Route 32
Stillwater, NY 12170

Phone:

(518) 670-2985
Saratoga National Historical Park information desk available daily from 9am - 5pm. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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