Stillwater in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
American River Fortifications
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008
1. American River Fortifications Marker
Skillful military engineering converted this bluff into a stronghold. Gun batteries on the river flats below commanded even the hills on the other side of the river. Behind you, across the ravine, was the main American line. It was this the British had to face when they tried to bypass the river fortifications here.
Erected by Saratoga National Historical Park, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 42° 58.798′ N, 73° 37.713′ W. Marker is in Stillwater, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker is on Park Tour Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Saratoga National Historical Park along a walking trail at the American River Fortifications stop. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stillwater NY 12170, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Patriots’ Eye-View (here, next to this marker); Thaddeus Kosciusko (a few steps from this marker); American River Defense (a few steps from this marker); Redoubt (a few steps from this marker); Fortifying The High Ground (about 700 feet away, measured in
this page online
More about this marker. The top of the marker contains a map of the redoubt where the marker is located and the water batteries, along with the Hudson River and the road to Albany.
Three pictures of various types of fortifications, with their descriptions, are on the right of the marker. “With axes and shovels the Patriots built a carefully planned system of log and earth walls.
Redan – A projecting angle built out from the curtain wall at intervals to permit flanking fire.
Redoubt – A separate fortified strongpoint.
Curtain – A continuous wall connecting strongpoints.”
Also see . . .
1. Saratoga National Historical Park. National Park Service website entry. (Submitted on September 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Saratoga. Saratoga Chamber of Commerce website entry (Submitted on September 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008
2. Marker on the Saratoga Battlefield
The fortifications here, built under the direction of Polish military engineer Col. Thaddeus Kosciuszko, were key to the American strategy against the British.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008
3. Saratoga Markers
Several markers are found at this location at the American River Fortifications tour stop. The "American River Fortifications" marker is the one on the right.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008
4. American River Fortifications Map from Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,142 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
