Battle of Bemis Heights

United States history

Also known as: Second Battle of Saratoga

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July 23, 2026

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The Battle of Bemis Heights, also known as the Second Battle of Saratoga, was a pivotal engagement during the American Revolution. Fought on October 7, 1777, it was part of the larger Battles of Saratoga. American forces, led by General Horatio Gates, successfully repelled British General John Burgoyne's attempts to advance.

The battle saw intense fighting, with American sharpshooters inflicting heavy casualties on the British. Despite initial British advances, the Continental Army held its ground, and a counterattack, bolstered by Benedict Arnold, pushed the British back. Burgoyne's army, depleted and surrounded, surrendered on October 17, 1777. This American victory was a turning point, convincing France to openly support the American cause.1

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Battles of Saratoga
Second Battle of Saratoga
Burgoyne’s army had dwindled to perhaps 5,000 combat-ready troops, and he estimated that he had two weeks of supplies left. On October 7 he decided that he could wait no longer and launched an attack without the reinforcements. This engagement was…
Read More
Burgoyne’s army had dwindled to perhaps 5,000 combat-ready troops, and he estimated that he had two weeks of supplies left. On October 7 he decided that he could wait no longer and launched an attack without the reinforcements. This engagement was…
Read More