Near Bemis Heights in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Second Battle Begins

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, October 29, 2022

1. The Second Battle Begins Marker

Inscription. After winning the September 19th battle at Freeman's Farm, General Brgoyne ordered his army to dig in about a quarter mile north of here. He hoped that reinforcements would soon come north from New York City.

Weeks passed but no help came. Time and food were quickly running out. Burgonye's army must get to Albany without delay.

A probing force force of over 1500 soldiers set out on October 7 to observe the American fortifications. If those defenses looked weak, Burgonye would attack with his whole army the next day.

When British soldiers arrived at the field in front of you, they were spotted by American sentries who quickly fell back after an exchange of fire.

The probing force found two farm fields full of badly needed wheat, Harvesters were called up and went to work while the soldiers waited to go on with their scouting.

More and more Americans arrived on the scene and intense battle broke out. The fighting lasted less than an hour. Burgoyne's troops broke, many running "pell-mell" for their camp, with thousands of Americans close behind them.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary.

Location. 43° 0.074′

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N, 73° 38.792′ W. Marker is near Bemis Heights, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker can be reached from Saratoga National Battlefield Road, on the left when traveling north. Tour Stop #5. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Saratoga National Battlefield Road, 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. The British Withdraw (a few steps from this marker); General Fraser Was Struck (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Joseph Cilly (a few steps from this marker); The Battle Begins at Barber’s Wheat Field (a few steps from this marker); Brig. Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Frazer Fell (within shouting distance of this marker); New York and Massachusetts Forces (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rockefeller Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away).

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, October 29, 2022

2. The Second Battle Begins Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2022, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2022, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.