Fort Ticonderoga
A very important outpost in the new colonies of North America,
occupied by the French, then the British.
Three days after the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold surprised and captured the fort’s small British garrison without firing a shot.
In the middle of winter they were able to transport the captured cannons to Boston for the battle of Bunker Hill and drive the British out of Boston. It was a significant turning point in the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Having seeing Lexington and Concord and now Ticonderoga,
we have a much better grasp of the history.
Cannons overlooking Lake Champlain
George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold have passed thru here
and Lou - too!
The "Living History Museum" and the firing of the muskets demonstration-
These soldiers are from the "New France" era
"READY"
"AIM"
"FIRE"
The mounted calvary
They didn't fire from the horses, but dismounted and had the other riders hold on to the horses.
The calvary were used extensively to transport food and supplies, because they could travel faster and farther than the soldiers who traveled by foot.
It's hard to imagine the conditions that they all had to endure.
The winters were awful, moving troops and supplies could take months,
and we complain about being cold - go figure!
The "Living History Museum" means that the clothing the actors wear is made right on site,
using authentic materials and technique
They ate well, (the officers did)
one of the most interesting firearms on display
One of the guide told us that the Indians watched the battle between the French and British
to see who won, so they could align with them.
A little different than the sign above!
Lou gets to hold an authentic 4 pound cannon ball.
The preparation to fire the cannon took 5 men and 15 minutes---
They won!
(they had lots of cannons!)
