One of the most decisive battles in world history ended near here in 1777 with the surrender of the British army invading from Canada under General “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne. The defeat ended a summer-long campaign by over 7,000 British, Hessian mercenaries, and Indians to capture Albany and then split the colonies in a drive south. Americans under Major General Philip Schuyler slowed the advance, and his successor, Major General Horatio Gates, stopped it in battles fought September 19 and October 7 in the area now within Saratoga National Historical Park. News of the surrender treaty signed October 17 raised American morale and led to the Franco-American Alliance, which brought badly needed French troops to the cause.