Schuylerville in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sword Surrender Site
October 17, 1777
At Saratoga, the British campaign that was supposed to crush America’s rebellion ended instead in a surrender that changed the history of the world.
Decisively defeated in the Battles of Saratoga eight miles south of here, British General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword and his invading army to American General Horatio Gates. The world’s newest nation had defeated the world’s most powerful.
News of the American victory at Saratoga inspired France, Spain and The Netherlands to form alliances against Britain. Battles raged on land and sea across the globe as these European powers fought Britain, diverting her resources away from America’s Revolutionary War.
America was emerging. World powers were shifting. The ideals of independence and self-governance rippled across the globe.
( Second Marker : )
Held in private hands since the Revolution, this property was placed on the open market in 2009. It was purchased by NY Open Space Institute so it would be dedicated and forever conserved for public education and enjoyment. The site will be linked to Saratoga National Historical Park by the ‘Old Champlain Canal Tow Path.’ The Hudson-Hoosic Partnership plans to have the site incorporated into Saratoga National Historical Park’s boundary.
A cultural resource study was undertaken and a site development plan was completed (see below). Friends of Saratoga Battlefield are leading a capitol campaign to raise funds for site amenities including a cannon, worm fencing, paved walkways (with names of donors), signage, pathways, and a memorial wall. If you can help this effort, please visit www.friendsosb,com or call 518-670-2980 for information about this project.
Project Partners
Open Space Institute
Hudson-Hoosic Partnership
Town of Saratoga
Lakes to Locks Passage
Natural Heritage Trust
Friends of Saratoga Battlefield
Alfred Z. Solomon Foundation
National Society of the Children of the American Revolution
Saratoga Associates
Erected 2013.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 43° 5.227′ N, 73° 35.061′ W. Marker was in Schuylerville, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker was at the intersection of Schuyler Street and U.S. 4, on the left when traveling west on Schuyler Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Schuylerville NY 12871, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Saratoga Surrender Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Vrooman (within shouting distance of this marker); Champlain Canal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dutch Reformed Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Two Brothers Meet Again (approx. half a mile away); Victory Woods (approx. half a mile away); Fraser’s Corps (approx. half a mile away); The Loyalists Leave Early (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schuylerville.
More about this marker. The bottom of the marker contains a copy of the 1821 painting by John Trumbull of “Surrender of General Burgoyne”, courtesy of Architect of the Capitol. The bottom of the second marker contains an artist’s rendition of what the Sword Surrender Site will look like when completed.
Also see . . .
1. The Battle of Saratoga. Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce website entry (Submitted on February 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. A British perspective on the Battle of Saratoga from BritishBattles.com. (Submitted on July 17, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. Saratoga battle park celebrates historic sword surrender site. Article discussing the acquisition and future use of the Sword Surrender Site. (Submitted on July 17, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,109 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 17, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 8. submitted on October 16, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.