The year 1777 was a critical year in the course of the American War for Independence. Crown Forces scrambled to end the American rebellion once and for all. Meanwhile, Patriot Forces, still young and evolving, struggled to navigate the logistical, strategic, and political challenges. The Patriot victories and survival through the 1777 Campaign ensured the prolonging of the American War for Independence and set a course for realistic, though uncertain, victory.

Cannons overlook the Hudson River at Saratoga National Historic Park

In June 1777, Crown commander, Lieutenant General John Burgoyne marched south from his garrison in Quebec with the hopes of severing Patriot New England from the Mid-Atlantic Colonies. Navigating the waters of Lake Champlain, the British forces engaged the northern Patriot garrison at Fort Ticonderoga – the first of many significant actions that spanned southward from northern New York and Vermont. The Campaign of 1777, otherwise known as the Saratoga Campaign, lit the North Country in violence that reached the farms and villages or Patriots, Loyalists, and neutral parties alike.

The 1777 Campaign culminated with Burgoyne’s surrender following the Battles at Saratoga. This critical moment is widely acknowledged as a turning point in the American War for Independence, as it significantly contributed to Patriot securement of a French alliance.

As you follow the 1777 Campaign trail their are numerous notable ice cream experiences along the way.

• June 14, 1777 – Battle of Fort Ticonderoga:
  • British forces, led by General John Burgoyne, captured Fort Ticonderoga from the Americans, gaining control of a vital northern stronghold.

The Wind Chill Factory (Ticonderoga, NY) – A Mexican Grill and ice cream shop offering a variety of soft serve flavors. Founded in 1996, this local favorite is one the culinary focal points of the region.

• July 7, 1777 – Battle of Hubbardton:
  • The pursuing British vanguard under General Simon Fraser engaged the Patriot rear guard as it covers the American withdraw from Fort Ticonderoga

Robo’s Creemees & General Store (Castleton, VT) – A Ice Cream shop and general store, with rotating flavors of the day. Try their maple and vanilla soft serve if available! Perhaps a pint of maple syrup for home!

Reenactors portaying members of Colonel Seth Warner’s Regiment charge the British line

• August 16, 1777 – Battle of Bennington
  • A Crown logistical requisitioning effort expanded into a general action outside the village of Bennington, VT. Patriot Forces under General John Stark successfully defended supply stores and livestock around Bennington village, with the actual engagement occuring around the New York town of Walloomsac. The Battle of Bennington set conditions for American victory at Saratoga, by reducing the British Army size, degrading Native American support, and denying critical supplies.

The Freeze/Tastee Freez (Bennington, VT) – This hole in the wall stand is small but delicious. Perfect for a clear August day, grab some ice cream and sit at one of their outdoor picnic tables. Or perhaps, take a stroll into town. The Bennington Battle Monument is a great historic site to see – you won’t miss it, it’s the tallest building in Vermont! The Bennington Battlefield is a scenic 10 mile drive from Bennington in Walloomsac, NY.

Living history artillery demonstrations at Bennington Battle Monument in 2015.

• September 19, 1777 – Battle of Freeman’s Farm (First Battle of Saratoga):
  • The first significant engagement of the Saratoga campaign occurred when American forces, led by General Benedict Arnold and Major General Horatio Gates, clashed with British troops. The battle was indecisive but set the stage for subsequent events. British forces remained isolate in the New York countryside with overextended lines of supply. Meanwhile, the Patriot Army continued to receive militia reinforcements from the New England Colonies.
• October 7, 1777 – Battle of Bemis Heights (Second Battle of Saratoga):
  • British forces, facing increased resistance, engaged the Americans again in a more decisive battle. The Americans, with the support of reinforcements, achieved a victory, and British General John Burgoyne suffered substantial losses.

The Ice Cream Man (Greenwhich, NY) – As you head west from Vermont along RT 29, stop at this iconic log cabin. Generous hard serve portions, dozens of flavors, and famous sundaes are trademarks of this local legend. In summer, brave the long lines, you will not be disappointed. The M&M hard serve is a personal favorite. But if you can’t decide you can always order multiple flavors for your cone. The Battlefield is a 15 minute drive southwest along RT 29 and RT 32.

Living Historians from the Second Continental Artillery Regiment

• October 17, 1777 – Surrender at Saratoga:
  • In the aftermath of the Battles of Saratoga, British General Burgoyne formally surrendered his army to American forces led by General Horatio Gates. This surrender marked a turning point in the war, boosting American morale and leading to increased support from European allies.
• October 23, 1777 – Convention of Saratoga:
  • The Convention of Saratoga, a formal agreement, was signed between American and British representatives. It outlined the terms of the British surrender and the treatment of the captured troops. The convention allowed the British army to return to England on the condition that they would not serve again in North America during the war.

Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive In (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Following your visit of the American and British lines at the Saratoga National Historic Park, pass through the historic village of Schuylerville. Stop for a visit at General Phillip Schuyler’s Mansion and take a photo at the Saratoga Surrender Site. Work your way west along RT 29, past the noteworthy Saratoga Battle Monument and Saratoga Orchard. Arrive to this bustling summer drive-in food and ice cream joint. If you can handle it – the Farmer’s Overloaded Burger is a test of sheer willpower. Orange/Vanilla or Coffee/Black Rasberry Twist are two refreshing options on their soft serve menu!

The Overloaded Burger at Farmer’s Daughter’s Drive In

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