Battle of Freeman’s Farm

The Battle of Freeman's Farm, also known as the First Battle of Saratoga, occurred on September 19, 1777, during the American Revolution. British forces under General John Burgoyne engaged Continental forces led by General Horatio Gates. Early in the battle, American sharpshooters inflicted heavy casualties on the British advance guard. Although the British main force and German reinforcements pushed back the Continentals, the Americans suffered significantly fewer losses. The battle was part of Burgoyne's larger campaign to cut off New England from the other colonies by capturing Albany. The American victory at Saratoga, which included the Battle of Freeman's Farm and the Second Battle of Saratoga (Bemis Heights), was a crucial turning point in the war, persuading France to openly support the American cause.1