The Saratoga Monument was erected under the auspices of the Saratoga Monument Association to commemorate the surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates on the 17th of October, 1777. The association’s first presidents were Hamilton Fish and Horatio Seymour. The monument’s cornerstone was laid on October 17th, 1877. It was completed in 1883 and placed in the care of the State of New York in 1895 by officers who, among others, labored loyally for its completion: John H. Starin, president; James M. Marvin and Warner Miller, vice presidents; William L. Stone, secretary; D.S. Potter, treasurer; and J.G. Markham, architect.