A photo of the Convention Signing Site from 1909. The Elm Tree has a sign attached that marks the location and to the right is a blacksmith shop.
On October 17, 1777 General Gates sent General Wilkinson over to the British encampment to parlay with Lt. General Burgoyne in a final effort to get the British officer to capitulate. Growing frustrated by the delays from the British general, Gates is said to have stated to the attending British officers, “Tell Burgoyne if you are not back in an hour and a quarter, I’ll open every battery I have upon him.”. Burgoyne agree to sign the Articles of Convention after receiving the ultimatum. Burgoyne signed the articles under a large elm tree that was later identified as being next to a blacksmith shop at the turn of the 20th century.
Plaque commemorating the signing of the Articles of Convention.
