The Battle of Freeman's Farm directly preceded the surrender at Saratoga and was the first major engagement in the Saratoga campaign, occurring on September 19, 1777.

In this confrontation, British forces under General John Burgoyne secured a tactical victory over American troops, but they incurred heavy losses that diminished their overall strength. This clash paved the way for the later conflict at Bemis Heights, where the Americans ultimately prevailed. The combined impact of these battles culminated in Burgoyne's surrender on October 17, 1777, signifying a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.