BATTLE HILL TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Presentation to the Fort Ann Town Board 9.10.18

Project Description

The project is the development of a master plan for the historic
site known as Battle Hill in the Town of Fort Ann. The project will
develop a conceptual plan for the three-phased development of
a recreational and heritage trail system designed to give the user
an unforgettable experience. The hiking trail will take advantage
of the challenging terrain, interesting natural features, significant
historic field areas, outstanding scenic vistas, and existing
roadbeds and foot paths. A plaza with interpretive signage
around the perimeter of the parking area will provide visitors a
complete understanding of how and why Battle Hill was fought and how it fits into the strategic outcome
of the Saratoga Campaign at the Saratoga National Historjq Park. Bringing the importance of this site into
the public realm and making it available for public use has the potential to bring many more visitors into
the community.

 

Historical Significance

The Battle of Fort Anne was a key event during Burgoyne?s
1777 campaign and ultimately led to his defeat and
surrender at Saratoga. It is the site where the British 9th
regiment withdrew following a rear attack by the Continental
Army. Fort Ann appeared to be the next line that would fall
to Burgoyne's army but instead changed the momentum of
the campaign. Forces with Continental Major General Philip
Schuyler strategically destroyed roads and obstructed creeks
resulting in delaying General John Burgoyne on his march
toward Saratoga. These actions ensured a Patriot victory at
Saratoga, which boosted American morale and secured
French intervention. The American Battlefield Protection
Program recognizes Battle Hill as a Priority II/Class 
battlefield and lists it as a ?Principal Battlefield of the
Revolutionary War.?

Site History 
The 165-acre project site was purchased by a private
developer in 2007 and targeted for mining the unique granite.
ore on the site potentially impacting important historic
features of the site. The Civil War Trust purchased the
property and transferred the land to the Town of Fort Ann.
The Agricultural Stewardship Association (land trust) is
holding and managing the conservation easement
agreement which will protect the land from future
development. The movement to protect Battle Hill was
. . Ir" successful due to a close partnership between the Town of
Fort Ann, Civil war Trust, National Park Service, American Battlefield Protection Program, Fort Ann
American Legion Post, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Fort Ann Historical Society, Lakes to Locks
Passage, and Binghamton University?s Public Archeological Facility.

 
 
 

Continental Route
I I

The LA GROUP Contact: Tracey M. Clothier tclothier@thelagroup.com

BATTLE HILL TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Presentation to the Fort Ann Town Board 9.10.18

Work completed on the Battle Hill site includes:

The ABPP documented the Battle of Fort Anne in 2001 and reported on their survey of the battlefield
in the program?s Revolutionary War and War of 1812 study (2007).

Researchers at the Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) of Binghamton University conducted the
historical research and battlefield delineation (2015).

American Battlefield Protection Battlefield developed Archeological Report (2017).

Application submitted to place site on the National Register of Historic Places (2017).

Regional Significance

The site exists along US Route 4, a state and national scenic byway (Lakes to Locks Passage) and
designated All American Road.

US Route is also known as State Bike Route 9, a north-south on-road bicycling trail.

The project is located near to the Empire State Traii/ Champlain Canaiway Trail.

The project is supported by the Champlain Canalway Trail Action Plan initiatives which calls for
establishing trails linear parks, bike routes and water trails that connect along the Champlain Canal
corridor; and link key historic and cultural sites and features.

Implementation and Funding

Wavfinding and Interpretive Signage Plan: American Battlefield Protection Program

Trailhead Construction, Signage and Trail Furniture: Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Grant
Program

Youth and Student Connections: Local Heritage Grants through the Champlain Valley National Heritage

 

Partnership
Trail Construction: NYS Parks (OPRHP) or NYS Department of State (DOS)

 

    
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  

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Phase 1 Trailhead

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Interpretive Destination Node .

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Field of Fire

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The LA GROUP Contact: Tracey M. Ciothier tciothier@thelagroup. com