| On July 1st, British forces approached Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. The fort was commanded by General Schuyler. After putting up a token defense, Schuyler moved his forces to Fort Edward on the Hudson. British forces, under the command of General Burgoyne, advanced slowly on Fort Edwards, arriving after three weeks, and captured the fort. Remaining at the fort for almost another month, Burgoyne sent 800 of his men to Vermont to obtain supplies. These troops were defeated by local militia. With autumn approaching, Burgoyne knew that he had to reach Albany. American forces, now under the command of General Gates, fortified themselves along the way. A final battle was fought at Freeman's farm, where the Americans were victorious once again. Burgoyne withdrew to fortified positions at Saratoga. When it became clear to Burgoyne that there would be no relief force from the South, he surrendered his troops to the Americans. This proved to be the turning point of the war. |
