The Battle of Saratoga in 3D

As we approach the 249^th anniversary of General John Burgoyne’s surrender to Continental forces in October 1777, the Battles of Saratoga deserves a closer look. 

Literally. 

For the first time, the public can explore 17 new 3D models of artifacts from the Saratoga National Historical Park’s archaeological collection. 

The chance to get up close and personal with these objects is more than just a neat side quest. These highly detailed scans allow historians, curators, and lifelong learners alike to research new questions and, even better, find answers! During this project, Saratoga National Historical Park staff discovered that one of these pieces of iron case shot turned out to be quite unique. It was larger than many of the other case shot balls in the Park’s collection, and they were able to use that information to determine the exact place and date it was fired. Answer: A medium 12 pounder cannon at Freeman Farm on September 19, 1777. 

Some of these objects reveal powerful stories not only through what they are, but also through how they were discovered. American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) recovered two of the British musket balls (impacted and unfired/dropped) featured in this collection. AVAR is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the well-being of disabled veterans transitioning to civilian life through field archaeology. With the support of the Trust and the National Park Service, AVAR began its first project on the hallowed ground of an American battlefield at Saratoga in 2019. Learn more about AVAR’s groundbreaking work in the Trust's Winter 2019 issue of Hallowed Ground magazine. 

Unearth The Past at Historic Battlefields With AVAR | American Battlefield Trust 

Pick an object below to begin your own investigation. What object are you drawn to first, and why? Why might it have fallen where it did? Who was the last person to handle this object before it was preserved in soil? What does the material say about the object and who used it? Do any of these objects make you think about soldiers or civilians at Saratoga in 1777 differently? 

Powder Horn 

American Wooden Canteen 

Impacted Musket Ball 

Unfired Musket Ball 

Cut Musket Ball 

Iron Case Shot 

21st Regiment of Foot Coat Button 

Flat Cast Brass Coat Button (American) 

Shoe Buckle 

Knee Buckle 

Pewter Spoon Fragment "J.S." 

Pewter Spoon Fragment "J.R." 

Brass Thimble 

Adz 

English Creamware Teacup 

Silver Spanish Real 

Mortar Fragment