The key geographical feature central to the Saratoga campaign was the Hudson River.

Since the Hudson River Valley was a critical supply and troop route, controlling it was essential to both American and British military operations. To split the colonies and isolate New England from the southern colonies, the British sought to conquer this territory. Conversely, the Americans recognized its strategic importance and focused on defending the region. The battles of Saratoga were fought in this setting, and the Americans' victory not only secured control of the valley but also represented a turning point in the Revolutionary War.