Near Schuylerville in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Neilson Farm
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, April 16, 2023
1. The Neilson Farm Marker
John and Lydia Neilson were a young couple when they built this house around 1775. The additions in this photo came later. Once removed, the house regained its original form. It is a witness to what happened here in 1777.
The Neilsons knew they were in harm's way that summer and left for safety farther south. Generals Benedict Arnold and Enoch Poor then used the empty home as a headquarters to command the left wing of the American army.
This was the western end of the American defensive line. In September 1777, American soldiers cut down thousands of trees around here. They feverishly threw up log and earth fortifications and dug in all along this ridge to block any British move further south. White posts with blue tops now show how far the American earthworks stretched-thousands of yards! Imagine the clamor of all those axes, picks, and shovels at work. Imagine the tension as they waited.
(photo caption): Neilson House, Saratoga Battlefield, attributed to Jesse S. Wooley ca. 1925
Saratoga National Historic Park, SARA 1678
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1777.
Location.
this page online
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: Even a Friendly Army Does Damage (a few steps from this marker); Camp Now or Never (a few steps from this marker); you may well think that is hard living (within shouting distance of this marker); Who Fought for the United States Here? (within shouting distance of this marker); New Hampshire Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore the American Defenses (within shouting distance of this marker); Kosciuszko (within shouting distance of this marker); Healing Bodies and Souls (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schuylerville.
Other markers no longer nearby. Who Fought For The United States Here? (was a few steps from this
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, April 16, 2023
2. The Neilson Farmhouse And Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, April 16, 2023
3. The Neilson Farm Marker
Photographed by Scott J. Payne, June 18, 2023
4. The Neilson Farmhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 668 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 4. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Scott J. Payne of Deposit, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
