The Witch of Saratoga refers to an intriguing figure from American history who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. This mysterious woman, also known as "the Highland Hag," has captured the imaginations of many, with her actions and presence shrouded in folklore and myth. According to popular legend, the Witch of Saratoga was a young woman named Jane McCrea, who lived near Saratoga during the time of the battle. She was engaged to a British officer but was captured by a group of Native American warriors allied with the British. Tragically, Jane was killed during her abduction, allegedly scalped and dismembered. The circumstances surrounding Jane's death and the subsequent battle have led to many speculations and stories, earning her the reputation of a witch.
On August 4th, his walking companion, Reverend Francis Wayland, a “young divine of much promise and a son of the beloved Baptist pastor of this village,” sounds suspiciously identical to Reverend Francis Wayland who served as President of Brown University, which was William Stone's alma mater. It's no coincidence that the name was changed in later re-printings of the story.
The historical record of Angeline Tubbs, popularly known as the Witch of Saratoga, is a hodge-podge of facts, legends, errors, and some outright fabrications. In her 90s, a professional photographer published Angeline s image and entitled it The Witch of Saratoga , turning Angeline into an unexpected tourist draw.
The circumstances surrounding Jane's death and the subsequent battle have led to many speculations and stories, earning her the reputation of a witch. Some believe that she was cursed, influencing the outcome of the battle in favor of the American Patriots. Others argue that she possessed supernatural abilities, using them to aid the American cause.
History Lesson: Revolutionary War brought “Witch of Saratoga” to Wilton
PUBLISHED: September 22, 2011 at 7:05 a.m. | UPDATED: July 22, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.
As our community grows our vistas are changing. The view from Grant Lookout on Mount McGregor shows that development dotting the landscape. Our industrial area around Ballard Road will be expanding as planned in the Exit 16 review. The Louden Road area continues to add upscale housing, while the Route 50 corridor adds commercial enterprises. The large apartment complex on Gick Road is multiplying steadily. The Maple Avenue entrance to Wilton is certainly one of the most impressive transformations in town. Along the foothills of the Palmertown Range, the rows of identical apartment buildings with sidewalks and street lamps change the once rural area to a feeling of a small city. The hamlet zoning allowed the higher density. Gazing at the hillside backdrop, a local legend comes to mind. In 1776, General Burgoyne’s Army occupied Saratoga County near Schuylerville. It was the custom of British officers to bring their families to this new country to accompany them behind the battle lines. According to Cornelius Durkee, the historian who wrote Reminiscences of Saratoga, Angeline Tubbs was 17 when she came to Saratoga with a British officer. After Burgoyne’s defeat in 1777, Tubbs was left behind as the army retreated. Bitter and disappointed to be discarded she found herself in a rustic hut on the side of the mountain range, out Maple Avenue, which was then known as Mount Vista. Some stories refer to this area as Angeline Hill. She was said to have lived by begging and telling fortunes. According to a news article in 1940, “she had a score of cats and it was felt by the local public that she was a sorceress and conversed with the spirits of darkness.” A description of her as she aged was of “erect and elastic in her movements. Her features were sharp, callow and wrinkled her nose high and hooked like the beak of an eagle, her sunken coal black eyes flashed with piercing glances.” Sound like a witch? The story goes that “she spent her days wandering on the hillside in the woods and had been seen at times standing on the cliffs, in all kinds of weather, with arms outstretched to the sky, conversing with the spirits with her long hair streaming in the wind. In the not too distant future, houses may replace the “craggy hillside” of Mount Vista where Tubbs once roamed and one wonders if the history of Tubbs will be revealed to would be residents. Jeannine Woutersz is Wilton Town Historian. Contact her at her office from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays 581-8646 ext. 227 or e-mail
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Suspecting witchcraft, the locals accused the outcast of numerous crimes, had her arrested and sentenced to death.
Although these tales may seem fantastical, it is important to remember that the story of the Witch of Saratoga has become clouded over time. Historical accounts suggest that Jane McCrea's death occurred during the chaotic period leading up to the Battle of Saratoga, when both sides, the British and American forces, were vying for control of the region. Jane's tragic fate, no doubt, shocked and angered both sides of the conflict, further fueling tensions and animosity. Her death became a rallying cry for American patriots, who used the event to stoke anti-British sentiment and bolster their cause. The British, on the other hand, saw her killing as an unfortunate consequence of the brutal warfare tactics employed by their Native American allies. Ultimately, the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The American victory effectively cut off British forces from their supply lines and led to the surrender of British General Burgoyne. This triumph boosted American morale and convinced international powers, such as France, to support the American cause. The Witch of Saratoga has become a symbol of the hardships and sacrifices endured during the American Revolution. While the true nature of her character may never be fully known, her story continues to fascinate and captivate individuals interested in the nation's history. Her tale also serves as a reminder of the complexities and human costs of war..
Reviews for "Discovering the Magic of the Witch of Saratoga"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch of Saratoga." The story lacked depth and the characters were underdeveloped. I struggled to connect with any of them and found myself not caring about their outcomes. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and interrupted the flow of the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and unengaging read.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Witch of Saratoga" was a complete letdown for me. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of nothing happening. The author seemed more focused on describing irrelevant details rather than developing the storyline. Furthermore, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and ultimately lost interest in the book. I would not recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch of Saratoga," but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style was confusing, often jumping between timelines without clear transitions. This made it difficult to follow the plot and understand the motivations of the characters. Additionally, the antagonist lacked depth and was simply portrayed as a one-dimensional "witch." The potential for a complex and intriguing storyline was overshadowed by poor execution.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Witch of Saratoga" was a struggle to get through. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story lacked excitement. The characters were shallow and their actions often felt unrealistic. The attempted twists and turns were predictable and didn't add any suspense to the narrative. Overall, I found this book unengaging and would not recommend it to others.