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

First Allies of the United States

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024

1. First Allies of the United States Marker

Inscription. The Haudenosaunee (the Six Nations of the Iroquois) was divided by the war. Most supported the British. But the Onyota'aká: (Oneida) and most Skarùire' (Tuscarora) sided with the United States. They formally accepted American independence at Albany on September 16, 1777. This happened months before recognition by any power in Europe.

About 150 Oneida and Tuscarora arrived here on September 20. Because both armies included Haudenosaunee allies, Gates ordered "Our friendly Indians to wear red woolen Cap" to avoid being accidentally shot.

Atiatoharongwen (Louis Cook) was a strong supporter of the American Cause. He commanded a small "body of Indians that came from Canada" here. Most of his kin sided with the British.

Philip Schuyler was president of the Commission for Indian Affairs in the Northern Department. Nearly 300 Haudenosaunee men, women, and children came to grand council in Albany in September. There Schuyler told them that "Our Cause is the same... We have nothing to hope for but Tyranny & oppression should we be defeated."

Erected 2024 by Saratoga National Historical Park.

Topics. This

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1777.

Location. 42° 59.212′ N, 73° 38.431′ W. Marker is near Schuylerville, New York, in Saratoga County. It can be reached from Saratoga National Battlefield Road. Marker is located on the northern end of pathway loop to the Neilson House. It is a few yards away from the parking area for Tour Stop #2. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stillwater NY 12170, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds 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 marker: The Best Soldiers in America’s Northern Army (here, next to this

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024

2. First Allies of the United States Marker

marker); Kosciuszko (about 500 feet away); Explore the American Defenses (about 500 feet away); Even a Friendly Army Does Damage (about 500 feet away); Camp Now or Never (about 500 feet away); A Struggle Never Forgotten (about 500 feet away); Unknown American Soldiers (about 600 feet away); “you may well think that is hard living” (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schuylerville.

Other markers no longer nearby. Bemis Heights (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Neilson Farm (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Who Fought For The United States Here? (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); John Neilson House and Farm (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . The Iroquois (Wikipedia). (Submitted on August 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

First Allies Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024

3. First Allies Marker

Looking north along American Defenses loop. First Allies marker is the one on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.