Gillibrand, Schumer Pass Legislation To Cement Saratoga Battlefield’s Legacy

Gillibrand, Schumer Pass Legislation To Cement Saratoga Battlefield's Legacy

Sep 29, 2026

Legislation Would Rename Historic Site "Saratoga National Battlefield Park"

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced congressional passage of the bipartisan Strengthening America's Turning Point Act. This legislation would officially redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park, more accurately reflecting its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) led the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it passed last year. The bill now heads to the president's desk.

"Saratoga Battlefield is a source of pride for the Capital Region and a symbol of the patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience that built our country," said Senator Gillibrand. "The Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution and monumental events in world history, marking the first time that a British army laid down their arms. This name change reflects the historic significance of the battles and honors the sacrifice of those who fought for our nation's founding."

"The Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution. I'm proud to announce that legislation renaming the historical park 'Saratoga National Battlefield Park' has just passed the Senate and will be signed into law," said Senator Schumer. "This new name provides important context and reflects the significance of the battlefield as a turning point for the Revolutionary War. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary this year, and get ready for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga next year, honoring the heart of New York's Revolutionary War history is key to ensuring America's history lives on."

"This summer, as we celebrated our nation's 250^thbirthday, I was reminded once again of the pivotal role our Capital Region played in America's fight for freedom and independence," said Rep. Tonko. "Now, as we approach the 250^thanniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, I'm thrilled to celebrate the passage through the Senate of the Strengthening America's Turning Point Act. The designation of 'Saratoga National Battlefield Park' will help accurately reflect the importance of this national historic site, boosting local tourism and fostering a greater appreciation for our region's historic heritage among locals and visitors alike. I was proud last year to lead this legislation through the House, and I'm eager now to see it signed into law."

The Saratoga National Historical Park is the site of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, which were some of the first significant American victories over the British army during the Revolutionary War. The battles were called a "turning point" and helped to convince the French to ally with the American colonies. New York State began to preserve the site in 1927. In 1938, Congress passed a law to designate the park as a unit of the National Park System, naming it the "Saratoga National Historical Park."

Local New York stakeholders have advocated to change the park's name ahead of the battles' 250th anniversary to more accurately reflect its significance as a battlefield. In 2024, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that Congress and the National Park Service change the name. This legislation would finalize this change.

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