One of Californias earliest communities, Saratoga was settled before the Gold Rush. Water from the hillsides provided power for a mill, and Saratoga became a center for lumbering, for milling, and for paper manufacturing. By the Civil War, the community was known as a resort for summer homes of wealthy San Franciscans. Blessed with a wonderful climate, scenic terrain, and abundant natural springs, newcomers discovered it was possible to grow a wide variety of fruits, and hundreds of orchards appeared almost overnight. By 1900, Saratoga had the largest prune and apricot orchards known in America, and was home to Sunsweet. The flowering fruit trees inspired an annual Blossom Festival that brought thousands of visitors to the Saratoga area. An outstanding school system, wonderful climate, and a strong sense of community make Saratoga one of the most wonderful places to live in California.

Looks at the planning, key figures, events, and aftermath of the Battle of Saratoga.

Describes the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a major victory in America's bid for independence from Britain.

As the American struggle for independence intensified, Saratoga became a focal point of warring activities. Both colonists and loyalists maintained forts, camps, and officer headquarters within town. In 1777, after the two Battles of Saratoga, American forces gained the surrender of British Gen. John Burgoyne, thus turning the tide of the Revolutionary War. The name Saratoga comes from the Mohawk word meaning either place of the swift water or hillside country of the great river. True to its name, the town spreads across rolling hills along the western side of the Hudson River. The river itself, together with two early main roads and a canal, brought prosperity to the area. Saratoga became a major shipping terminal. The town boundaries changed several times throughout the years, but the rural character of the town and the spirit of its residents remained constant. As the American struggle for independence intensified, Saratoga became a focal point of warring activities. Both colonists and loyalists maintained forts, camps, and officer headquarters within town. In 1777, after the two Battles of Saratoga, American forces gained the surrender of British Gen. John Burgoyne, thus turning the tide of the Revolutionary War. The name Saratoga comes from the Mohawk word meaning either place of the swift water or hillside country of the great river. True to its name, the town spreads across rolling hills along the western side of the Hudson River. The river itself, together with two early main roads and a canal, brought prosperity to the area. Saratoga became a major shipping terminal. The town boundaries changed several times throughout the years, but the rural character of the town and the spirit of its residents remained constant.

Because of its strategic location, throughout the years Saratoga has been the site of numerous warring parties and battles, transportation links, industrial development, agricultural pursuits, recreational activities, and residential growth. Before it became a part of Saratoga County in 1791, the town of Saratoga belonged to Albany County and was much larger than its current size. Although rural in character, the town is composed of a number of hamlets and villages that have played an important part in Saratoga's development.

The Saratoga Battlefield is part of the National Park Service and a beloved destination for millions. The story of the battles is more than a military study of a critical turning point in the Revolutionary War. It is a significant component in defining the northeastern United States and the way Americans see each other and work with one another. It is also a story of the land and the people. Today, the National Park Service and other partners promulgate the story and the lessons learned. The story is dramatic; the impacts were pivotal and profound. Author Timothy Hughes brings the lessons drawn in today's contexts and taken up by today's generations together.