Photo: Jeffrey M. Frank/Shutterstock

Fort Ticonderoga Is a Piece of Revolutionary War History on the Banks of Lake Champlain

New York
by Matador Creators Jan 12, 2023

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s also a history lesson, look no further than the historic Fort Ticonderoga. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont, this fort played an important role in the Revolutionary War, has seen its fair share of battle, and is a great place to learn about America’s past.

Fort Ticonderoga was originally built by the French in 1755 as part of their plans to defend New France from British invasion. The fort changed hands several times throughout the course of the French and Indian War, but eventually fell into British hands in 1759 after a long siege by General James Abercrombie. After the end of the war, it remained a British stronghold until its capture by American forces led by Benedict Arnold in 1775. This event marked the first major victory for American forces, and began their march towards eventual independence from Britain.

In 1820, Fort Ticonderoga underwent extensive renovations, with new stone walls being added around the existing structure. This renovation allowed it to be used as an active fortification until 1867 when it was decommissioned and turned into a tourist attraction. Since then, it has been open to visitors who want to experience its rich history firsthand.

In addition to touring the fort itself, there are plenty of other activities available for visitors at Fort Ticonderoga. From boat cruises along Lake Champlain to special events like military reenactments and musket firings, there’s something for everyone here. You can also explore beautiful gardens such as Mount Independence or see artifacts from nearby archaeological sites like Skenesborough. And with over 500 acres of land to explore, you can easily spend an entire day here without ever running out of things to do.

Discover Matador