History at the Old Stone Fort Axe Mason Jar

Axe Head

This was found in Bemis Heights near US General Horatio Gates’ Head Quarters. The Battle of Bemis Heights from the Saratoga Campaign in 1777 resulted in the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. Burgoyne’s surrender was said to have been the turning point of the Revolutionary War as it showed nations like France and Spain that the US stood a chance against Great Britain. It was also where British General Simon Fraser was purportedly killed by American Sniper and future Schoharie County resident Timothy Murphy.

Ball Ideal Mason Jar

In 1884 the Ball Corporation began manufacturing glass jars for home use canning. Canning (sealing food in air-tight containers) was a common method of preserving food during the 19th and 20th centuries. The use of canning accelerated in the United States during the two World Wars yet decreased afterwards due to the rise of refrigeration.