SURFICIAL & BEDROCK MAPS OF THE SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK GENERATED FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

Surficial (1:24K) & bedrock (1:62.5K) maps of the 4 quads comprising the Saratoga National Historical Park compiled from existing sources illuminate the geomorphic evolution of the northern Hudson Valley region. Lithology & structure predominantly from the Taconic Orogeny established the major elements of the landscape. The last deglaciation left a landscape dominated largely by 2 processes. Glacial lake deposition infilled the Hudson Valley & later high discharge fluvial events from both the Mohawk & Champlain valleys scarred the landscape. The imprint of these events set the stage for Holocene erosion & deposition.

The impact of landscape evolution on the Battles of Saratoga has been under-appreciated, especially by geoscientists. Ongoing work will make use of the maps to further archaeological investigations. Geomorphology has directed future excavations at the Schuyler House.

A major facet of the project is to educate visitors on the role of geomorphology in the battles. Exhibits are planned along with educational pamphlets for the visitor’s center. The park’s loop road may see geomorphology information displayed in kiosks to help explain the location of opposing forces in the battles.

The project was conducted under the Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program during 2015 in partnership with GSA & The National Park Service.