Article by Phoenix writer Brooke Oldenborg ’26:
On Friday October 20th, 37 Kellenberg juniors along with several of their history teachers took a coach bus to Saratoga, the site of the Battle of Saratoga and a turning point for the American Revolution, for a day trip to learn more about their own American history.
The trip, planned by Mr. Cartier, was successful despite the heavy rain. It started at the Saratoga National Historic Park where the juniors took a private tour of the Saratoga battlefield led by Park Ranger Pat Niles, who provided them with a myriad of interesting information about the Battle of Saratoga which occurred in 1777.
Also, while in the historic park, the group visited the “Boot,” a monument dedicated to the continental general and infamous traitor Benedict Arnold who wounded his leg on the spot.
After the tour, they visited the Schuyler family mansion in Albany which belonged to one of the wealthiest colonial families in New York. This destination was made popular by the musical “Hamilton” and is the site of Eliza Schuylar and Alexander Hamilton’s wedding. This historic house also has an exhibit which describes colonial era slavery in the state of New York.
Senior history teacher Mr. Bursig said “I’ve always believed that history should be experienced on the ground where an event took place. Walking the fields of a battlefield gives you the proper feelings and perspective for an event”.
The students were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about and experience their own history.
