New York State

From Rutland, Vermont, we drove the few short miles to New York state, and soon found ourselves at Saratoga National Historic Park. This was an important site in America's War of Independence, because US victories here (over Britain's world famous army), on September 19 and October 7, 1777, were a turning point in the war, and eventually led to America's full independence from Britain. We learned that the War of Independence lasted from 1775 to 1783, even though the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. We also learned that at Saratoga, Benedict Arnold was an extremely successful and well-loved general, but was not given the credit due him. Because of this, and the fact that he later married a woman with British sympathies, he 'turned coat' , became a spy for the Brits, and was thereafter remembered as a US traitor. Morgan, Elise, and Mason dressed up in period costume in the Visitor Center. It was an interesting location.

From Saratoga, we drove west to do some business in the western section of New York state. So, New York City is 'on hold' for now. Hopefully we'll have a chance to fit it in later.