Sean Kelleher

Sean Kelleher is the historian for the Town of Saratoga, the vice president of the Saratoga County History Center, and the vice chairman of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. Kelleher is a contributing writer to More Saratoga County Stories and Saratoga County Stories.

Baseball’s John Milligan: A Saratoga County Legend

March 2, 2023 by Sean Kelleher Leave a Comment

When people think of Schuylerville, in Saratoga County, they think of history. The region is known for the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, but people are typically less aware of it’s baseball history.

For many years however, the community was known for pitcher John Milligan, one of the finest athletes in the county’s history. He hurled for the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League and the Washington Senators of the American League, among other teams. [Read more…] about Baseball’s John Milligan: A Saratoga County Legend

Revolutionary Thanks: America’s First National Thanksgiving Holiday

November 23, 2022 by Sean Kelleher 1 Comment

America’s first national Thanksgiving holiday was declared by the Continental Congress to commemorate the victory of the American army of General Horatio Gates over British forces commanded by General John Burgoyne in Saratoga, New York on October 17, 1777.

The triumph at Saratoga, America’s turning point in the eight-year War of Independence was the first time in world history an entire British army had been captured. What’s more, the victory reversed a long string of humiliating defeats for the 13 rebellious colonies, including the loss of the revolutionary capital in Philadelphia. [Read more…] about Revolutionary Thanks: America’s First National Thanksgiving Holiday

Freemasons and the Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga

October 25, 2022 by Sean Kelleher 2 Comments

Over the years, much has been written about the Freemasons (or Masons) involved in the American Revolution, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. Freemasonry is a voluntary self-betterment association that teaches moral, intellectual, and spiritual lessons through theatrical initiation ceremonies. [Read more…] about Freemasons and the Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga

NY Man Who Affected The Outcome at Pearl Harbor

December 11, 2021 by Sean Kelleher Leave a Comment

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, and a New York man played a big role in defending against that attack. Furthermore, his actions have been credited with shortening the war in the Pacific. [Read more…] about NY Man Who Affected The Outcome at Pearl Harbor

St. Patrick’s Day in Schuylerville, 1898

March 19, 2021 by Sean Kelleher Leave a Comment

Today, Schuylerville in eastern Saratoga County is not particularly known for its Irish community, but on St. Patrick’s Day in 1898 the historic village had “a metropolitan appearance” with bands, drum corps and 600 marchers.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) organized a parade under the auspices of the local Schuylerville area division. [Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day in Schuylerville, 1898

Isaac Jogues: Man On A Mission

February 1, 2021 by Sean Kelleher 3 Comments

Who is Isaac Jogues? Before we address this question, we should acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land when I write this article – the Iroquois Confederacy and the Algonquians – and pay our respect to their elders’ past, present and emerging. [Read more…] about Isaac Jogues: Man On A Mission

The Burning of Jones Mill During Battles of Saratoga

October 4, 2020 by Sean Kelleher 1 Comment

When most people think about the Battles of Saratoga, they think of those at Freeman’s Farm (Sept. 19) and Bemus Heights (Oct. 7). Also well known is the siege period in the modern Schuylerville area from October 10th to the 17th.

There were many combat actions however, both great and small, that get less notice. One small skirmish, occurred at Jones Mill, near Grangerville in the town of Saratoga on October 2, 1777. [Read more…] about The Burning of Jones Mill During Battles of Saratoga

When Saratoga Was An American Frontier

August 13, 2020 by Sean Kelleher 4 Comments

On August 13th, 1689, New York Governor Leisler wrote “Scharachtoge [Saratoga]…there are six or seven families all or most rank French papists that have their relations at Canada and I suppose settled there for some bad designe and are lesser to be trusted there in conjunctione of tyme than ever before the bad creatures amongst us gives me great occupatione.” [Read more…] about When Saratoga Was An American Frontier

Fourth of July: Celebrating Independence in 1812

July 4, 2012 by Sean Kelleher Leave a Comment

What follows is a description of the Richmond County celebration of American Independence from The Columbian newspaper in 1812:

In the very interesting situation of our country, it was expected that 4th of July, the 36th anniversary of our Independence, would be celebrated in a masterly manner. We are highly gratified to say, that the public expectation was not disappointed. We have never witnessed greater order, harmony, sobriety, patriotism, and becoming zeal. [Read more…] about Fourth of July: Celebrating Independence in 1812

Q&A: Douglas Cubbison on British General Burgoyne

June 27, 2012 by Sean Kelleher 1 Comment

Douglas R. Cubbison is a military historian, who authored Burgoyne and the Saratoga Campaign: His Papers (2012, Arthur H. Clark Company), which presents the documents and letters of British General John Burgoyne.
In 1777, Burgoyne began an attempt to divide the rebellious United States in the American Revolutionary War by moving south from the British Canada to gain control of the Hudson River Valley, separating the New England states from those to the south.

After Burgoyne’s early capture of Fort Ticonderoga, his campaign had become bogged down in difficulties and ended with surrender on October 17 of his entire army after the Battles of Saratoga.
[Read more…] about Q&A: Douglas Cubbison on British General Burgoyne