Near Stillwater in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Retreat, Pursuit, and Surrender
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 29, 2022
1. Retreat, Pursuit, and Surrender Marker
It was supposed to be a secret retreat under cover of darkness. Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne abandoned his camp on October 8 and left behind 400 sick and wounded. A severe thunderstorm and plodding supply boats delayed the retreat. The hungry, drenched men, women, and children finally reached Saratoga (present-day Schuylerville)-seven miles north-almost a full day later.
General Gates began the pursuit on the morning of October 10. Although the Burgoyne had more than a full day's headstart, his troops caught up with the retreating British Army within hours. After a short siege at Saratoga, the British asked for a ceasefire. Days of negotiations followed. On October 16, Generals Gates and Burgoyne signed the Articles of Convention. The next day, Burgoyne's army surrendered.
The war lasted six more years after the fighting here ended. Gates' decision to chase down his foe tipped the balance of the Revolution and helped lead to American independence.
(painting caption)
Surrender of General Burgoyne by John Thumbull, 1821, Architect of the Capital
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 43° 0.319′ N, 73° 36.656′ W. Marker was near Stillwater, New York, in Saratoga County. It was on Tour Road, on the right. Stop #10 on the Battlefield Tour Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Stillwater NY 12170, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Upstate New York, in the Capital District, and in the Albany Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Crucial Choices (a few steps from this marker); We had been warned to keep extremely quiet.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 29, 2022
2. Retreat, Pursuit, and Surrender Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Great Redoubt (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Burial Site of General Fraser (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); Crown Forces Baggage Park (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 29, 2022
3. Retreat, Pursuit, and Surrender Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2022, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
