The river bluffs on which American batteries were emplaced dictated the
tactics of both armies and the course of the two battles of Saratoga.
The American line was anchored on these bluffs, because here the high
ground converged with the river to allow only a narrow corridor along
the river plain. The road south to Albany ran through this corridor.
Both battles were fought as a result of the British attempt to flank the
American positions controlling this passageway. This terrain factor must
be appreciated if the course of events at Saratoga is to be understood.
[Illustration: _View of the Freeman Farm from the east, showing the
scene of the heaviest fighting of the Battles of Saratoga._]
[Illustration: _View looking northeast from the site of Fort
Neilson, a key point dominating the left flank and center of the
American defensive position._]