Celebrate Independence at Fort Ticonderoga

Special Living History Event July 4-6 Highlights America’s Greatest Triumph in 1776

Join Fort Ticonderoga for a three-day celebration this Independence weekend to celebrate America’s greatest triumph in 1776. Walk in the marching steps of newly formed Continental soldiers at Fort Ticonderoga in 1776 as historic interpreters demonstrate weapons of independence and explain the daily military duties of soldiers garrisoning the Fort. Explore family programs that highlight the fight for independence and listen to patriotic performances by Fort Ticonderoga’s Fifes and Drums. Come celebrate freedom by exploring one of the greatest triumphs of 1776 as you discover the stories of the men who helped transform America by overcoming tremendous odds to build the American Northern Army in the fight for liberty. Be in the moment as America began to take shape at Fort Ticonderoga!

Admission to this special holiday living history weekend, July 4-6, is included in a Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket. To learn more about the event visit http://www.fortticonderoga.org/learn/re-enactors/independence_day or call 518-585-2821.

Meet the soldiers of the Northern Department of the Continental Army and their hive of military preparations at Ticonderoga in 1776 throughout the weekend. See artificers in action in the shoe maker’s and tailor’s shops busily working to resupply soldiers with clothing, shoes, and equipment. Discover how these soldiers prepare their cannons, ammunition, and themselves to meet the British army. See rations cooked, logs hewn, and the Fort’s 1776 restoration in action.

“1776 was a year of rebuilding the Northern Army as part of building a new nation,” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation. “While the Continental Congress discussed the finer points of declaring independence in Philadelphia, the shattered remnants of the Continental Army which had come so close to capturing Quebec trickled back down to Fort Ticonderoga. Frost bitten, starving, and decimated by smallpox these soldiers began building up bulwarks and America’s first navy to defend their new nation. A new Continental Army emerged reinforced by soldiers from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, to guard Fort Ticonderoga.”

While the declaration itself was signed July 4th, news of the document and the patriotic sentiment it carried would not reach the Northern Army at Fort Ticonderoga until July 28th. The new fortifications of Rattlesnake Hill were christened Mount Defiance to mark the occasion of the first reading of the Declaration to these soldiers.

Recognized as the top destination in the Adirondacks by USA News Travel, Fort Ticonderoga connects all guests to a place and time that defined a continent, a nation, and its continued legacy.

Fort Ticonderoga offers more than one hundred exciting and unique events and programs this season! Visit www.FortTiconderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821.

Living History Event Explores Hazards and Hopes in 1776 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Fort Ticonderoga 2014 Season Begins May 10 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Fort Ticonderoga Names Director of Exhibitions (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Fort Ticonderoga’s King’s Garden Opens May 24 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Fort Ticonderoga

Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.

Visit www.FortTiconderoga.org or call 518-585-2821 for a full list of ongoing programs, admission prices, and current hours. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York.