The fort was captured by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in 1775 without a single shot being fired.
Its star-shaped design, or trace italienne, was intended to maximize overlapping fields of fire for artillery.
The fort changed hands between French, British, and American forces five times between 1755 and 1777.
Henry Knox famously transported 59 cannons from the fort to Boston in the winter of 1775-1776, a journey known as the Noble Train of Artillery.
The fort was abandoned by the Americans in 1777 when British troops placed artillery on the adjacent Mount Defiance, rendering the fort's position untenable.
The fort sat in ruins for over a century before the Pell family began restoration efforts in 1909.
The site hosts an annual 'Defiance and Independence' reenactment that recreates the 1777 siege.
The King's Garden, originally planted in 1826, is one of the oldest continuously cultivated gardens in the United States.
Fort Ticonderoga is a restored 18th-century star fort located on a strategic peninsula between Lake Champlain and Lake George in upstate New York. Originally constructed by the French as Fort Carillon in 1755, it served as a pivotal site during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. The property includes the King's Garden, modeled after colonial-era designs, and a massive collection of 18th-century military artifacts. Visitors can view ongoing archaeological excavations and interactive demonstrations of 18th-century military life, including musket and cannon firings. The museum houses an extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, and personal effects from the Revolutionary period. The site also operates the Carillon boat cruise, offering perspectives of the fort from the water. It maintains a working farm with heritage breed animals that reflect historical agricultural practices. The surrounding grounds include hiking trails that lead to various colonial defensive positions.
The view from the top of the ramparts looking out toward the lake with the mountains in the background.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the gravel pathways and sloped terrain.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival to coordinate your visit with the live musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
Bring a pair of binoculars to view the surrounding lake geography and potential wildlife from the ramparts.
Do not rush through the gardens; they are designed for slow-paced exploration.
Operates seasonally; typically closed from late autumn through spring.
Respect the historical integrity of the stone walls; refrain from climbing on non-pathway defensive structures.
