TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — Nestled along the narrow southern waters of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga offers visitors a tangible step back into the 18th century. Built by the French in 1755 as Fort Carillon, the stronghold earned a pivotal reputation during the French and Indian War and later the American Revolution, standing as the strategic key to the continent.
The Revolutionary History of Fort Ticonderoga
The fort gained legendary status in May 1775 when Ethan Allen, his Green Mountain Boys, and Benedict Arnold launched a surprise dawn raid, capturing the stronghold in America’s first military victory of the Revolution. Months later, Henry Knox orchestrated the heroic “Noble Train of Artillery,” dragging dozens of captured Ticonderoga cannons over 300 miles of snow-covered wilderness to Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate Boston.
Across the water, Vermont’s Mount Independence served as a vital American fortification linked to Ticonderoga by a floating footbridge in 1776, helping hold off British forces during a critical stage of the war.
Fort Ticonderoga’s Mighty Cannons (Kevin Dennehy).
Mount Defiance: The Strategic Flaw
Looming over both installations is Mount Defiance, an 840-foot summit that historically exposed the fatal flaw in Ticonderoga’s defenses. Long considered too steep by American commanders to haul heavy artillery up its slopes, the mountain was left unfortified.
That miscalculation proved costly in July 1777, when British Gen. John Burgoyne’s forces laboriously dragged cannons to the summit. From this commanding perch, British artillery threatened both posts, forcing the Continental Army to evacuate overnight without firing a shot.
Mount Defiance Overlooks Fort Ticonderoga (Kevin Dennehy).
Visiting Fort Ticonderoga: Hours, Admission & Amenities
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Hours of Operation: Open daily from May through October, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Advance online ticket purchase is encouraged.
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General Admission Includes: Access to the reconstructed fort, live weapon demonstrations, museum exhibits, the historic King’s Garden, and Mount Defiance (where visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views).
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Lake Champlain Boat Cruises: Guests can purchase combination tickets to board the Carillon, a 75-minute cruise boat offering narrated historical tours of the surrounding waters (recommended by the author).
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On-Site Dining & Shopping: Fresh salads and sandwiches are served at America’s Fort Café, while the Museum Store carries regional crafts, books, and souvenirs.
Fort Crown was abandoned by the British (Kevin Dennehy).
Exploring Nearby Crown Point State Historic Site
A short 15-mile drive north brings travelers to the Crown Point State Historic Site, located at the foot of the Lake Champlain Bridge.
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Historic Ruins: Features the stone ruins of Fort St. Frédéric (built by the French in 1731) and the massive British fort constructed in 1759.
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Hours & Fees: The historic grounds are free to explore from sunrise to sunset year-round.
Where to Stay and Eat Near Ticonderoga, NY
Local Lodging Options
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Hotels & Motels: Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn & Suites. Super 8 by Wyndham.
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Bed & Breakfasts: Various historic B&Bs located along the Lake Champlain shoreline.
Nearby Dining
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Casual Dining: The Burleigh House.
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Golf & Grill: Tap & Barrel at the Ticonderoga Golf Course.
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Coffee & Pastries: Libby’s Bakery Cafe in historic downtown Ticonderoga.
