Benedict Arnold at Saratoga: How a Newly Discovered Letter Changed History

As part of the 250th celebration in Washington County, The Washington County Historical Society will host historian Eric Schnitzer give a talk entitled “Benedict Arnold at Saratoga: How a Newly Discovered Letter Changed History”. The program will be Thursday, April 17th at 6:30 p.m. at The Scotlander Brewing Company.  

Benedict Arnold’s main action was fighting during the Saratoga Campaign of the Revolutionary War. Arnold stopped British Troops at Fort Schuyler then returned to the main army to help set up defense on the American retreat to Peebles Island. In September 1777, he moved forward with the American Army to Bemis Heights (current Saratoga Battlefield). He conducted the left wing of the American Army at Freeman’s Farm, the first Battle of Saratoga. He conducted the troops at the Second Battle of Saratoga. He was severely wounded during the Second Battle. Schnitzer will to into greater detail on all of Arnold’s movements during 1777. 

Eric Schnitzer has worked at Saratoga National Historical Park since 1997, becoming Park Ranger/Historian in 2000. He has dedicated his life’s study to the organization, personnel and material culture of the British, German, and American armed forces of the American War for Independence, particularly as it relates to the Northern Campaign of 1777. He lectures and writes extensively on these subjects and has written articles for journals such as “The Hessians,” ”The Brigade Dispatch”, and “The Fort Ticonderoga Bulletin”. He has also created illustration for books such as Philadelphia 1777; Wives, Slaves, and Servant Girls:Advertisements for Female Runaways in American Newspapers, 1770-1783; British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution; and The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers Behind the Photographs. 

Eric and his wife, Jenna, live in an 18th-century house in the White Creek Historic District near Bennington Battlefield in Walloomsac, NY, where they spend much of their time sewing reproduction 18th-century garments for living history and museum applications. 

Scotlander Brewing Company opened their doors in 2019 when the town of Argyle overturned their dry town law.  It is a small brewery located in an idyllic setting off at 453 County Route 47, nestled in the hills of Washington County.  Along with the brewery there is a Christmas tree farm and they serve as Harvest Hosts. 

 The owners, Matt and Sarah Puhl, pride themselves on brewing quality beer and are constantly changing up the menu.  There is always something new to try! Whether you come to enjoy live music, food trucks, trivia night for everyone and patrons enjoy the small town atmosphere. 

 Please come out to enjoy a fascinating evening with Eric Schnitzer and enjoy a pint! Bring a friend! There is no charge for this program. Donations are gladly accepted. We hope you will join us.