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French Cannon from Revolutionary War on Display at Saratoga

On April 26, the National Park Service will unveil the newest attraction to the Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center. It will remain on display for the next two years as the park observes the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the Battles of Saratoga in 2027.

The 266-year-old French Cannon, named La Poesie (Poetry), is one of 31 cannons of its type, a 4-pounder à la suèdoise (of the Swedish style), which arrived as part of a secret French arms shipment in Portsmouth, N.H. in April 1777 along with large amounts of other weapons and supplies. Ten were sent to the Northern Department, where they played an important role in setting the stage for the Battles of Saratoga.

An unveiling program will begin at 1 p.m. with three speakers taking the stage. Historian Dr. Robert Selig will present “The Politics of Arming America, or:  Why are there no Vallière 4-lb Cannon in France?,” a look at the political environment in France which led to hundreds of cannons arriving just when the United States needed them the most. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will share how ten of the recently arrived French cannons came to the American Northern Army and their impact on the Battles of Saratoga. Curator Christine Valosin will describe the process which brought La Poesie to Saratoga. She will announce another important project, in partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, to ensure the French cannons will have a presence on the battlefield itself. Room for the lecture portion of the event is strictly limited. Reservations must be made via email [email protected]. No reservation is required to view the cannon in the Visitor Center.

For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at

(518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) @SaratogaNHP.