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

America’s Turning Point

Field Of Grounded Arms

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 7, 2026

1. Field Of Grounded Arms Marker

Inscription. In October 1777, following two hard-fought battles, British General John Burgoyne's army retreated here, short on supplies and cut off from reinforcements. On October 13th, Burgoyne convened a Council of War. Three days later, officers negotiated the "Convention of Saratoga"-a capitulation that allowed Burgoyne's troops to surrender with dignity.

On the morning of October 17th, Burgoyne's soldiers marched out with the honors of war and stacked their arms near here on the grounds of the old Fort Hardy - today remembered as the "Field of Grounded Arms." While a popular story suggests American soldiers whistled "Yankee Doodle" to mock the defeated British, eyewitness accounts describe the scene as a somber and silent one. The American troops stood in an orderly fashion, showing respect for their defeated foes.

This was the first time in history that a full British army had surrendered. The victory at Saratoga shocked Europe and convinced France to openly ally with the United States turning a colonial rebellion into a global war for independence.

[ Drawing Captions: ]
1. Percy Moran's painting shows Burgoyne's army marching down the military road toward surrender. With colors flying and drums beating, British and German troops advanced past silent ranks of Americans.
2. Berger's engraving depicts the "Field of Grounded Arms," where thousands of weary soldiers stacked their weapons in neat piles.
3. Horatio Gates, General of the American Forces at Saratoga.
4. John Burgoyne, General of the British Forces at Saratoga.

Erected by Battles

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1777.

Location. 43° 5.985′ N, 73° 34.769′ W. Marker is in Schuylerville, New York, in Saratoga County. It is at the intersection of Reds Road and Ferry Street (New York State Route 29), on the left when traveling north on Reds Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville NY 12871, 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: A different marker also named America’s Turning Point (here, next to this marker); An Army On The Move

America’s Turning Point Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 7, 2026

2. America’s Turning Point Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Who Was In An 18th Century Army (a few steps from this marker); Near This Spot (a few steps from this marker); The Fate Of The Defeated (a few steps from this marker); General Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); First Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Surrender Tree (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schuylerville.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.