Stillwater in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

REMOVED

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Prelude to History

History Now

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008

1. Prelude to History Marker

Inscription. When news of the British invasion reached the farmers who tilled these fields, some went north to join the Crown Forces. Such a loyalist was John Freeman.

On a hot summer afternoon in 1777, one of Freeman’s neighbors who stayed to fight for the Patriot cause may have paused thoughtfully as he passed his old friend’s abandoned fields and home.

Travel back in time as you walk this ground where history was made. Press the “History Now” button and listen to a presentation especially prepared to help you relive the exciting events which took place in what is now Saratoga National Historic Park.

Erected by Saratoga National Historic Park, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 43° 0.34′ N, 73° 38.808′ W. Marker was in Stillwater, New York, in Saratoga County. It was on Park Tour Road, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located in Saratoga National Historic Park along the auto tour road. Touch for map. Marker

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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 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: Mission: Crush American Independence (here, next to this marker); What Had Happened Before 1777 (a few steps from this marker); Why Fight Here? (a few steps from this marker); Discover a Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Frazer Fell (approx. 0.3 miles away); Find the Americans' Weakness (approx. 0.3 miles away); "they Then All Retreeted with Great Preciptation & Confusion"

Marker in Saratoga National Historic Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008

2. Marker in Saratoga National Historic Park

The History Now waysides in Saratoga National Historic Park give "first hand" accounts of the events that took place here in 1777. At this one, a local patriot wonders about his former neighbor John Freeman’s decision to stay loyal to the Crown.

(approx. 0.3 miles away); 'Let me have some men & we will have some Fun" (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stillwater.

Other markers no longer nearby. Take A Tour Through History (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); The Battle of Freeman’s Farm (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The British Withdraw (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); The British Advance on Bemis Heights (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Second Battle Begins (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. The top of the marker contains a picture of a farmer on horseback looking over the untended farm of John Freeman.

Also see . . .
1. The Battle of Saratoga. Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce website entry (Submitted on March 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Saratoga National Historic Park. National Park Service. (Submitted on August 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

3. A British perspective on the Battle of Saratoga from BritishBattles.com.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 16, 2013

3. Prelude to History Marker

(Submitted on July 18, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Site of Freeman's Farm image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 13, 2008

4. Site of Freeman's Farm

The most intense fighting of the first Battle of Saratoga was fought on this ground on September 19, 1777 after Daniel Morgan's riflemen fired on Gen. Burgoyne's advancing center column.

Tour Stop #1 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, April 16, 2023

5. Tour Stop #1

The old markers have been removed as can be seen in this photo. They were located at the concrete pads.

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, April 16, 2023

6. Prelude to History Marker

The replacement for the older marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,109 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on April 16, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 18, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on August 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.