Near Bemis Heights in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Not Everyone’s Loyalties are Clear
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024
1. Not Everyone’s Loyalties are Clear Marker
Families and communities throughout the Thirteen Colonies found themselves on opposing sides. Most people who lived here on the battlefields of Saratoga in 1777 sided with the United States. Many tried to stay neutral.
Jotham Bemus lived under suspicion and experienced bullying by local authorities, He was fined for neglecting his militia duty. Jotham was later arrested for disapproving "of the Measures pursued by the United States of America." His wife Hannah was also arrested for corresponding with the enemy. Both were released after years of confinement.
Jotham Bemus carried this powder horn when he fought in the French and Indian War (1754 - 1763). But when he was called up to serve in the New York militia in 1776, Bemus refused to attend.
Jotham Bemus’s Powder Horn by Jacob Gay 1759.
The Bemus family kept a tavern at the foot of these heights. Taverns were a combination hotel and restaurant for travelers. The inn in this photo was built close to where the original tavern was to take advantage of the placename.
The Historic Bemis Tavern published by C.W. Hughes, ca. 1930.
Erected 2024 by Saratoga National
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1777.
Location. 42° 58.804′ N, 73° 37.716′ W. Marker is near Bemis Heights, New York, in Saratoga County. It can be reached from Saratoga Battlefield Tour Road. Market is on path at Tour Stop #3. 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 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend (a few steps from this marker); “We have a Fine Train of Artillery, consisting of 24 Pieces” (within shouting distance of this marker); “The General … Discovered a Spot which Fully Answered His Wishes”
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, August 3, 2024
2. Not Everyone’s Loyalties are Clear Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Redoubt (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); American River Defense (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Thaddeus Kosciusko (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Patriots’ Eye-View (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); American River Fortifications (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Strategy and Terrain (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Fortifying The High Ground (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Questions of Loyalty (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); Anchor of the American Line (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); North Redan (was approx. ¼ mile away but has
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024
3. Not Everyone’s Loyalties are Clear Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 621 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
