Schuylerville in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
America’s Turning Point
The Convention Army
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 7, 2026
1. America’s Turning Point Marker
The Continental Congress feared the troops would be redeployed elsewhere, and the British government refused to ratify the Convention. Instead of sailing home, the "Convention Army" was marched to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they were kept under guard. In 1779, they were sent south to Charlottesville, Virginia, and later to other locations. Only after the Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war were they finally permitted to return home.
Among those who endured this ordeal was a baroness, Lady Frederika Charlotte Riedesel, wife of the commander of the German troops. Traveling with her three young daughters, she recorded the hardships of the retreat, the surrender, and captivity in a vivid journal that preserves
this page online
"I feared to come into the enemy's camp, as the thing was so entirely new to me. When I approached the tents, a noble looking man came toward me, took the children out of the wagon, embraced and kissed them, and then with tears in his eyes helped me also to alight. You tremble, said he to me, 'fear nothing.'No,'replied I, 'for you are so kind, and have been so tender toward my children, that it has inspired me with courage."
-Lady Frederika Charlotte Riedesel, Journal, 1777
[ Drawing Cations: ]
1. Encampment of the convention army at Charlottesville in Virginia, years after they had surrendered to the Americans at Saratoga.
2. After the surrender, American General Philip Schuyler welcomed the Baroness and her children into his Albany home, showing compassion despite the destruction of his own estate.
3. The Baroness followed the army throughout the campaign. Her published journal remains one of the most important firsthand accounts of Saratoga.
Erected by Smerica’s Turning Point, Saratoga Revolutionary Experience.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1777.
Location. 43° 5.982′ N,
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 7, 2026
2. America’s Turning Point Marker
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); a different marker also named America’s Turning Point (a few steps from this marker); An Army On The Move (a few steps from this marker); Near This Spot (a few steps from this marker); Who Was In An 18th Century Army (a few steps from this marker); The Fate Of The Defeated (a few steps from this marker); Henry Knox And The Noble Train Of Artillery (a few steps from this marker); General Lafayette (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 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
