Saratoga
National Historical Park
Junior Ranger Program
Saratoga National Historical Park
648 Route 32 Stillwater, New York 12170
518-664-9821 www.nps.gov/sara
sara_info@nps. gov
Directions:
Saratoga National HistoricalPark is located 40 milesnorth of Albany, the statecapital, and some 15 milessoutheast of SaratogaSprings. The principal exit(#12) off the Northway(I-87) is clearly signed forthe Park.
- From Montreal and points north—get off the Northway (I-87) at Exit 14 and follow brown and white signs for Route 29 East to Schuylerville where the Schuyler House and Saratoga Monument are located. Eight miles south on Route 4 you will find the main entrance to the Battlefield (right side of road).
- From Albany and points south—get off the Northway (I-87) at Exit 12 and follow the brown and white Park signs to the Battlefield.
- From points east or west—use Route 29 to Schuylerville and follow directions from Schuylerville as above.
How To Use This Booklet
To the Parent/Adult: This Junior Ranger program isdesigned for students grade 3-6, but may be used by other agesas well. It is hoped that the activities here will help our youngervisitors better enjoy, understand and appreciate our park and itsresources. Our Junior Ranger program was designed with ourTour Road in mind, but it can be enjoyed without drivingthrough the Battlefield.
To the Junior Ranger: When you receive this booklet,choose and complete three (grades 3-4) or four (grades 5-6)activities in the booklet. Yes, you can get help from someone inyour group, or one of our Rangers, and yes, you could do moreactivities. Once you have completed your activities, have anadult with your group check your work. Once you’ve done that,CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve qualified as a Saratoga NationalHistorical Park Junior Ranger. You will have received a JuniorRanger badge with this booklet.
What? No checking in with a Park Ranger afterward?That’s right. You see, our program works on the honorsystem. That means we’re trusting that you, in receiving thisbooklet, will do your best to meet the requirements for becominga Junior Ranger. The public is trusting us to take care of thispark. We’re trusting you to help us by learning more aboutwhat’s here.
Have fun, and good luck!
Introduction
The War for American Independence, or AmericanRevolution (1775-1783), was probably one of our country’smost difficult conflicts. Great Britain was a very powerfulnation. It had many advantages over its rebelling colonies.
This new American independence suffered many problemsduring all eight years of the war. In 1777, however, a BritishArmy invading from Cana