The Point of Patriotism

Hello Friends! I certainly got a good night's sleep once I returned from Algonquin Peak, but no rest for the wicked since I returned to work the next day with Megan. I definitely noticed Megan was moving around a bit slower than normal, perhaps the high climb got to her - not me! In case you all were wondering just how similar Megan and I are, I figured you could see for yourself in this blog post:

Okay - I see some similarity, but I wouldn't go as far as saying we're twins or anything! (for any of you ranger folks following this blog - I had Megan put on her winter hat for the photo since it closely resembles my hat)

On to the real business, my latest adventure! After a day of recuperating in the office, Megan was scheduled to work at the Monument - probably, but hopefully not, the only time this summer!

It was pretty slow in the morning, so I thought I would do a little reading - if I'm going to be traveling on adventures with Megan, I need to know my stuff!

I learned some new things so I think it's time for an impromptu History lesson!
Standing at 155' tall, the Monument is currently located in the town of Schuylerville, NY and commemorates the Battles of Saratoga. The first cornerstone was laid on the 100th anniversary of the surrender of the British Army to the American Army - October 17, 1877.

Ellen Hardin Walworth was one of the leading forces behind the erection of a monument, she states:

A monument upon this spot will not merely minister to local pride, it will not foster sectional prejudices, every citizen of every state of this union will fell as he looks upon it that he has a right to stand upon this ground. It will tell of the common sacrifices and common trials of the fathers of the republic ... Here sectional passions will fade away; and the glorious memories and the fraternal feelings of the past will be revived...

The Saratoga Monument is one of the most ornate monuments you'll ever see - if you go to Washington or Bennington Monuments, yeah they're tall, but they aren't nearly as artistic and original as the Saratoga Monument. On the inside, the walls are covered with brass relief sculptures which help to tell the story of American independence - I must admit, some of these sculptures are a little exaggerated.

From the time of its completion in fall of 1882 (without the statues being done) to the 1980s, the Monument was on a path of slow, physical decline. By 1987, it was apparent that extensive rehabilitation was needed and the National Park Service was left with no choice but to close the Monument to the public. In 1994 $3 million in Federal funds were appropriated for the renovation and repair of the Saratoga Monument.

Renovation actually began in 1999, and reopened to the public Memorial Day Weekend of 2002 - just in time for the 225th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga!

Bored yet? I'll throw in another picture:

We had a few visitors by the end of the day, but by the time 4:59pm came around, I was ready to climb! Hope you're all ready to climb with me:

Looking down from halfway up the Monument ... still a ways to go!

I made it!

Looking East

Looking South

Looking North

And looking Down - from the tippy top!

The climb up the Monument certainly wasn't as difficult as Algonquin Peak, but I must say it was just as adventurous! That will do for today's adventure, hope you all learned something new today. Megan and I will be traveling to the Finger Lakes region for the weekend, be sure to tune in early next week for my next post!