Preserved Revolutionary War battlefield featuring historic landscapes, interpretive trails, monuments, and educational exhibits commemorating a decisive Patriot victory during the Saratoga Campaign.
Open daily from May 1 through Veterans Day
Guided tours offered during the operating season and by appointment
How to Get There
From Bennington, Vermont (12 mi): Take VT-9 west into New York, continue on NY-67 toward Walloomsac, and follow the signs to the battlefield entrance at 5231 Route 67.
Overview
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the ground where one of the most important American victories of the Revolutionary War was won on August 16, 1777. Although named for nearby Bennington, Vermont, the battle was fought primarily in present-day New York. Here, militia forces from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont under General John Stark defeated a detachment of British, Loyalist, and German troops sent by General John Burgoyne to gather desperately needed supplies. The defeat weakened Burgoyne's army and played a critical role in the events that eventually led to the American triumph at Saratoga, a turning point in the war for independence.
Today, visitors can explore a landscape of rolling hills, forests, and open fields that closely resembles the terrain encountered by soldiers in the eighteenth century. Interpretive signs, a 2.7-mile trail system, monuments, and scenic overlooks help tell the story of the battle and the people who fought it. The site also highlights the broader significance of the Saratoga Campaign and its impact on international support for the American cause. Combining natural beauty with national historical importance, the battlefield offers an engaging experience for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers exploring the upper Hudson Valley region.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
