Washington, D.C. – House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik's Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act passed the House of Representatives. This legislation would officially redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park, restoring the name originally given to this Revolutionary War site and reaffirming its pivotal role in American history.
“I am proud to see my bipartisan legislation to rename Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park pass the House once again,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “As the site of the turning point in the American Revolution, Saratoga is not just a local treasure—it is a national symbol of American resilience and patriotism. Restoring the word ‘battlefield’ to the park’s name honors the sacrifice of those who fought for our nation’s founding and helps ensure that future generations understand the full historical importance of this sacred ground.”
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we remember how the Battles of Saratoga played an important role in our struggle for independence. Rep. Stefanik’s bill will rename this location to better honor its importance and the soldiers who fought there. I thank her for her work on this bill," said Chairman Bruce Westerman.
“Saratoga County thanks Congresswoman Stefanik for carrying this legislation to restore the Saratoga National Historical Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park. The Battles of Saratoga, which took place on this hallowed ground, were a pivotal turning point in the American Revolutionary War, marking the first time in world history that a British Army laid down their arms. As we near the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, this redesignation will distinguish the park as a historical battlefield and provide a unique identifier to clearly inform tourists of the significance of the park to American independence," said Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Saratoga 250th Commissioner Phil Barrett.
“Renaming Saratoga National Historical Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park restores historical accuracy and honors this hallowed ground—where, for the first time in history, an entire British army surrendered. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, this designation will help visitors understand that the victory here didn’t just shape our nation—it changed the course of world history,” said Sean Kelleher, Historian for the Town of Saratoga.
"With America's and the Battles of Saratoga 250th anniversaries fast approaching, we are grateful Congresswoman Stefanik and Congressman Tonko are answering Saratoga County and area stakeholders' call to rename our vital Revolutionary park after the battlefield victory that changed the world. America's Turning Point in our War for Independence happened here. It is our generation's turn to connect it to people as generations before did in preserving the battlefield grounds, raising money for markers, and the centennial effort to raise the Saratoga Monument. This congressional action will be a timely part of a sustained effort to engage and promote Saratoga’s Revolutionary heritage to inspire another generation of Americans and international visitors alike," said William Teator, Executive Director of Campaign for Saratoga 250, Inc.
The push to restore the battlefield designation has broad local support. In June 2024, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling on Congress and the National Park Service to adopt the name change. The park was originally known as Saratoga Battlefield Park when it became a New York State historic site in 1927, but “battlefield” was dropped when it became a national park in 1938.
This marks the second time Stefanik’s legislation has passed the House. The bill was originally introduced in July 2024 and passed the House in December 2024 with bipartisan support but did not receive final consideration in the Senate before the close of the session. Stefanik reintroduced the bill in early 2025 as part of ongoing national preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Stefanik has long championed battlefield preservation and was recognized in 2023 with the National Preservation Leadership Award from the American Battlefield Trust for her continued work in this area.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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