THE AMERICAN RIVER REDOUBTS.
The river bluffs on which American batteries were emplaced dictated the tactics of both armies and the course of the two battles of Saratoga. The American line was anchored on these bluffs, because here the high ground converged with the river to allow only a narrow corridor along the river plain. The road south to Albany ran through this corridor. Both battles were fought as a result of the British attempt to flank the American positions controlling this passageway. This terrain factor must be appreciated if the course of events at Saratoga is to be understood.
View of the Freeman Farm from the east, showing the scene of the heaviest fighting of the Battles of Saratoga.
View looking northeast from the site of Fort Neilson, a key point dominating the left flank and center of the American defensive position.