Free Program on the Battle of Saratoga at the New York State Military Museum on Saturday, April 11.

Gates versus Arnold, which American general did the most to win the victory is the subject of discussion

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Benedict Arnold will be the subject of a talk at the New York State Military Museum on April ll, 2015.

SARATOGA SPRINGS , NY (04/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Two National Park Service Rangers will discuss the roles of Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates at the Battle of Saratoga at a free program hosted by the New York State Military Museum on Saturday, April 11, at 2 p.m.

Rangers Joe Craig and Eric Schnitzer will debate the question of which general is the real hero of the battles that defeated the British Army of General John Burgoyne in September and October 1777 and resulted in the French entering the American Revolution on the side of the United States.

Gates was the commander of the American Army which defeated the British force. But Arnold, his subordinate, was the more charismatic of the two men ( Gates was nicknamed "Granny") and is credited with leading an American charge which was decisive in the Battle of Bemis Heights, despite being ordered to stay away from the battlefield by Gates.

Craig and Schnitzer will outline the strengths and weaknesses of each commander and how they helped or hindered the American victory.

The April 11, discussion is one of a series of free public programs presented by the New York State Military Museum during February, March and April.

The New York State Military Museum is located at 61 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.