Battles of Saratoga Preservation and Viewshed Protection Plan

Dodson & Associates Ltd.

The Plan seeks to protect historic sites associated with the Battles of Saratoga, beyond the Saratoga National Historical Park’s (SNHP) borders, and preserve the viewshed and cultural landscape of this significant area while fostering economically sustainable development. The Plan prioritizes parcels within the seven municipalities involved in the process according to historic, viewshed and scenic values according to recognized standards. The Old Saratoga region was the location of the Battles of Saratoga, internationally acknowledged for its impact on the history of the United States and the world as the “turning point of the Revolution” in 1777. Within its boundaries are historically significant battlefield and battle related sites including: the Field of Grounded Arms where the British Army surrendered to American forces after the Battles of Saratoga, the General Philip Schuyler House and the Saratoga Monument, a 155- foot tall granite obelisk, that is within the 18th-century British lines of defense in the Village of Victory. The Battles of Saratoga and the landscape of the battlefield grounds continue to have a profound influence on the character of the communities that surround it. The rural countryside that surrounds much of the historic battlefield retains the cultural landscape much as it existed 200 years ago. The surroundings have enabled residents and visitors alike to truly appreciate and understand the significance of the Battles of Saratoga that are among the most decisive battles in world history. The Revolutionary War history of the region is distinguished by the protection of the Saratoga National Historical Park but much of the surrounding contextual landscape is under threat. Today, the region is seeing escalating growth and with it a tangible threat to the cultural and historical interpretation of the battles. The identification and assessment of significant historic resources related to the battles, seige and surrender at Saratoga, as well as critical scenic resources, is the first step in their long-term preservation and protection.