Living History: Fort Ticonderoga, New York

Fort Ticonderoga is often regarded as one of the most important fortifications in American military history due to its role in multiple conflicts and its strategic location. Carl Heilman II/Fort Ticonderoga

History buffs will be familiar with Fort Ticonderoga since it played a vital role during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The name “Ticonderoga” is a Native American word for “place between two waters,” as it’s situated between Lake George in New York and Lake Champlain, which is shared with Vermont to the east and Quebec to the north. At 853 feet tall,  Mount Defiance is more of a hill, but it provides a good panoramic view of Lake Champlain. Vermont’s Green Mountains and the Adirondacks are also visible in the distance. 

The peninsula around Fort Ticonderoga includes wet lands and a variety of plant life. Fort Ticonderoga

A Historical Fort

Enclosed by these peaks and hugged by the lakes’ freshwater, Ticonderoga played a unique role in military history. Due to its location between the two bodies of water, it provided a strategic portage route (carrying of watercraft over land) for travelers in the 1600s. It saw French missionary Isaac Jogues and Swedish naturalist Peter Kalm pass through. In 1755, the French began building Fort Carillon in the area to block the passageway between the two lakes and to protect New France, and its capital, Quebec.  

This fort played a significant role in the French and Indian War. The Marquis de Montcalm launched a siege from Ticonderoga against the British Fort William Henry in 1757. The British counterattacked Fort Carillon the following year. The ensuing Battle of Carillon was the bloodiest in North American history until the American Civil War. The British expelled the French in 1759 and laid claim to the fort, which they renamed Ticonderoga. 

Now in the hands of the British, this fort again became a witness to history during the American Revolutionary War. Less than a month after the war’s outbreak, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led the Green Mountain Boys in a surprise attack on May 10, 1775, enabling Henry Knox to transport the much-needed artillery from the fort to break the siege of Boston.

In 1777, the British Gen. John Burgoyne surrounded Continental positions at Ticonderoga, including hauling cannons up Mount Defiance to complete the encirclement. This led to the decision to evacuate the storied fortress. In autumn, after Burgoyne surrendered in Saratoga, the British troops left the area.

William Ferris Pell purchased the abandoned fort in 1820. His descendants led restoration efforts in the early 1900s, and the Fort Ticonderoga Museum opened to the public in 1909. A National Historic Landmark, the private not-for-profit educational organization is recognized as one of the “earliest sites of historic preservation in America.”

A variety of hands-on programs teach visitors about the historical significance of Fort Ticonderoga and the daily experiences of people living and working at the fort. Fort Ticonderoga

The Fort Today

With this much history, Fort Ticonderoga has tidbits of the past everywhere. The 2,000-acre grounds include a museum, preserved fort, gardens, trails, and an educational center. Setting foot inside this walled fortress is almost like stepping back in time. Visitors get to relive history as they view the many exhibits, talk to costumed staff, and witness musket and cannon firings. The weapons demonstrations are unique because each step in the firing process is explained, making presentations more informative and meaningful. The fifes and drums demonstration is also not to be missed as reenactors perform and explain the different tunes used in barrack life. Guided tours of the fort and the beautifully landscaped nearby King’s Garden allow visitors to appreciate the history and the behind-the-scenes stories that took place in each area. Young visitors participate in scavenger hunts, where they can earn tokens and small prizes.

Fort Ticonderoga regularly offers live musket demonstrations as part of its reenactments and educational programs. Fort Ticonderoga

A 75-minute boat tour of Lake Champlain (at an extra cost) is also offered for visitors to enjoy a scenic ride, with a guide explaining the lake’s importance in maritime and military history. Landlubbers should try the included-with-admission Carillon Battlefield Hiking Trail, a 1.7-mile loop that encircles the site of the bloody Battle of Carillon and “contains the most intact Revolutionary earthworks that exist in America.”

Each ticket also includes a token that allows visitors to drive to the top of Mount Defiance. Catch the scheduled talk in the pavilion atop the hill.

The Power of Place 2024 exhibit features over 100 artifacts, including some that are rare and have never been viewed by the public. Fort Ticonderoga

Looking Forward

Summer may be over, but there are still many great events taking place at the fort. Battle reenactments, fall festivals, and living history events continue till the end of 2024.

Next year, during the semiquincentennial of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, there will be reenactments and special events, dubbed “Real Time Revolution,” marking important anniversaries in and around this historic fort all the way to 2027. 

Beth Hill, president and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga Association, elaborates: “’Real Time Revolution’ is an innovative and immersive approach to bringing to life the story of the American Revolution in real-time and [at] the very location where events happened 250 years ago. … The history will unfold here at Fort Ticonderoga … starting with America’s first victory of the Revolution on May 10, 1775/2025.” 

Good to Know 

Tickets purchased for Fort Ticonderoga are good for a next-day visit. With so many things to see and do, it offers great value to visitors. The fort also has free parking and an on-site cafe that serves nicely portioned sandwiches. Picnic tables are found throughout the park (and visitors may also eat at the pavilion on Mount Defiance), so pack a hearty lunch.

As a nonprofit, The Fort Ticonderoga Association strives to be creative in their approach to education and the visitor experience. They continue the efforts started by the Pell family to solidify Fort Ticonderoga’s place in American history. As Beth Hill proudly exclaimed, “Fort Ticonderoga is a national treasure and we love bringing the history to life for our visitors of all ages!”

Kids can try on period-appropriate uniforms at the tailor shop to get a feel for life in the fort. Fort Ticonderoga

Other Points of Interest

Ticonderoga, the quiet town named after the fort, has other notable places to visit, depending on your interests.

 As schools are now in session, you may see boxes of Ticonderoga pencils on store shelves and in your children’s pencil cases. Learn about its wonderful history and the pencil component that comes from this locale by visiting the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and Visitor Center. Admission is free. 

This little town is also home to the original Star Trek series set, which draws Trekkies from all over. An event with actor William Shatner is slated in November.

“Real Time Revolution” is a registered trademark of The Fort Ticonderoga Association.