Memorial Grove Landscape Restoration

Building a Cultural Landscape

The monument shown here has been here longer than the national park! The Monument to the Unknown American Dead was built in 1931 entirely with funds raised by the Daughters of the American Revolution. New York State officials then planted a Memorial Grove just to the north in honor of the American Generals who directed the campaign. Together, they formed the core of the park’s memorial landscape along with the Neilson House and a classical marble pavillion.

Loss over Time

Over the years, the trees of the Memorial Grove died from Dutch Elm disease and the plantings around the monument grew out of control, damaging their long-term health. These plantings had also exceeded their expected lifespans. Because of this, Natural and Cultural Resource experts with the National Park Service and the private sector all agreed that the best course of action was to remove the remains of the original plantings. This was recently done by park staff.

 

Restoring the Landscape for the 250th

Earlier this decade, the New York State Daughters of the American Revolution approached the park in search of an appropriate project to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Saratoga Campaign. The restoration of the Memorial Grove and landscape surrounding the monument seemed the perfect
meeting of history and opportunity! Once again, the Daughters of the American Revolution stepped up and opened their pocket books to honor the heroes of Saratoga.

Soon, a newly restored landscape based on this conceptual design will be in place. In the meantime, please pardon our appearance as the old plantings had to be removed in preparation for planting. This fall, Princeton Elm will be planted for the Memorial Grove and Eastern Red Cedar and Hapanese Yew will be planted to again provide a fitting backdrop to the Monument.