Revolutionary Road Trip: Northern Hudson Valley
- Timothy Dusablon
- Jun 7
- 6 min read
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I have created several “Revolutionary Road Trips” in the Champlain Valley and the surrounding areas. These road trips are designed to be done in one day, and to give you time to explore and enjoy the sites. This road trip focuses on the Northern Hudson Valley.
You may think you need to go to Boston, New York City, New Jersey or Philadelphia to experience the important sites of the Revolutionary War. With all due respect to those locations, if you live or visit in the Champlain Valley, there are PLENTY of sites to keep you on the road and entertained walking in the pathway of one of the most critical theaters in the Revolutionary War.
In the words of Rene Descartes: “Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries." With this in mind, these Revolutionary Road Trips are the perfect excuse to get out and experience the places that greatly influenced our country’s founding 250 years ago. See for yourself where our history took place!
Stop 1: Bennington Battle Monument - Bennington, VT
This magnificent stone monument was originally completed in 1889. At 306 ft. high, this obelisk is one of the tallest manmade structures in the State of Vermont. There is an elevator that gives an incredible view when it is open. Structural concerns have closed the stairs. Inside, you will see a kettle that was captured from Burgoyne’s camp during the second engagement of the Battle of Saratoga. Surrounding the monument are statues of two of the heroes of the Battle of Bennington, John Stark and Seth Warner. Just down the road is the site of the famous Catamount Tavern, where the story of Vermont begins to take shape. In the old cemetery, you will find several old gravesites, including the famous poet Robert Frost.
The Vermont State Historic Sites was kind enough to issue the following statement regarding celebrations related to the 250th anniversary celebrations at the Bennington Battle Monument Site:
“Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site is hosting its annual Flag Day and Battle Day events with historic reenactors and opportunities to experience history up close, the site will also be hosting a July 4th reading of the Declaration of Independence. Exhibits inside the first floor of the monument that discuss the Battle of Bennington and the monument’s construction are open. The site will also be offering interpretive talks and well as the opportunity to observe and learn from the archaeological efforts being made at the site this summer.”
Stop 2: Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site - Hoosick Falls, NY
On this mount is where Friedrich Baum and his force of 700 British, German, Canadian Militia and First Nations warriors were camped after the initial skirmishes. Their initial aim was to capture badly needed supplies at nearby Bennington, just a few miles down the road. A soaking rain delayed the general engagement for a day, while reinforcements entered the American camp. John Stark, a veteran of Roger’s Rangers and the French and Indian War, came up with a brilliant multi-pronged attack, surrounding the force. The New Hampshire native famously exclaimed “Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.” It was a route. The British incurred 200 killed, with another 700 captured. The First Nations warriors abandoned Burgoyne after this conflict. It was a resounding loss for the British and Burgoyne, who lost almost 1,000 men and did not get any of the badly needed supplies the force was supposed to commandeer. This left Burgoyne in a precarious position that Horatio Gates would exploit in the Battles of Saratoga. Bennington Battle Day is an official holiday in the State of Vermont.
Stop 3: Saratoga National Historic Park - Stillwater, NY
The world changed forever at this location. That is not hyperbole, that is fact. The two Battles of Saratoga were resounding victories for the American cause. Up to this point, France had been a shadow supporter of the American Revolution, but was reluctant to officially enter the conflict. France had doubts that the Americans could pull it off. America needed a showcase victory to prove to France they had a chance against their ancient rival Great Britain. The victory at Saratoga was the proof France needed, and the tide of the Revolutionary War changed after the alliance with France.
Upon entering the site, you will go inside the main building that has some impressive artifacts and displays, along with amazingly friendly staff. From the vantage point of the building, you have one of the most historic views in North America. A wonderful road runs through the various stops showcasing the important sites for the two battles that make up the Battles of Saratoga, the Battle of Freeman’s Farm and the Battle of Bemis Heights.
Among the many monuments and interpretive signs are some notable locations amongst the over 10 stops. The Nielson Farm House is simplistic in its beauty, and the view is incredible. The nearby monument to the fallen American forces is moving. There is a monument at the site where British General Simon Fraser was shot by American forces in a controversial move. There is also the Fraser burial site that was made famous by the series “Outlander”. Most famous of all may be the “boot monument” , a monument at the site of Arnold’s nearly fatal shot to the leg on the charge that secured victory for the Americans at Saratoga. The monument does not state Arnold’s name, owing to his future treason, but does note “the most brilliant soldier of the continental army”.
Stop 4: Saratoga Surrender Site - Schuylerville, NY
This site is very new, and was for over two hundred years private property. With the help of historical philanthropists, the Saratoga National Historical Site was able to purchase the land and make this impressive display. The observation plaza is beautifully done, and has a stunning view west towards the Hudson River. The centerpiece is a bronze sculpture replication of the famous John Trumbull painting depicting the surrender of Burgoyne to Gates.
Stop 5: General Philip Schuyler House - Schuylerville, NY
Just down the road from the surrender site is General Philip Schuyler’s Saratoga house. Schuyler’s original house at this location was burned in September of 1777 by the British to prevent use by the American forces. After the surrender at Saratoga, the British and German prisoners of war helped rebuild the house as a token of appreciation for their humane treatment in American custody. Several famous founders visited this location including his son-in-law Alexander Hamilton and George Washington. The confined attic in the upper level is where Schuyler’s 14 slaves (as of 1790) were housed - a reminder of this cruel chapter in American history.
Stop 6: Battle of Saratoga Monument - Schuylerville, NY
This 155 foot tall stone obelisk was completed in 1883. Inside, there are steps to an observation level. The monument includes a fascinating feature. On all four sides of the monument, there is a niche just above the entrance level. Three of the four niches have a statue of the heroes of Saratoga in them. These statues include General Philip Schuyler, General Horatio Gates, and Colonel Daniel Morgan.
The fourth niche, on the south side of the monument facing the battlefield, lies empty. This empty niche represents Benedict Arnold. There is no statue, and no mention of the man, owing to his future treason. Just like the “boot monument” at the battlefield, it honors Arnold’s bravery in the moment without honoring the man. The monument is a must see.
Stop 7: Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark - Wilton, NY
No, this is not a Revolutionary War site. But no historical trip to Saratoga is complete without visiting the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage in Wilton. This is where the victorious Union general and former president spent his final months after being diagnosed with throat cancer. After being swindled by the “Bernie Madoff” of his day, Grant was broke, and had nothing to give to his family. With the help of Mark Twain, Grant decided his final work would be his memoirs. Grant completed his memoirs at the cottage, moving to the cottage from New York City at the urging of his doctors. Just three days after completing his memoirs, he passed away here at the cottage. A mourning nation looked to this location. On display are his top hat, a vile of cocaine water, used to treat his aching throat, and the two chairs he propped together to sleep, because sleeping in a bed was so uncomfortable in his final days. The view from the top of Mount McGregor is amazing. Grant’s memoirs remain one of the best written first-hand accounts of the Civil War and are a must read for any history enthusiast.
