Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga, in Ticonderoga, New York, played an important role during the French and Indian War. The French had bravely defended the fort against British attack, but it was finally captured by the British in 1759. As the French abandoned the fort, they blew up the gun powder magazine, seriously damaging the structure. Since it was no longer strategically significant, it had fallen into further disrepair. In 1775, it held a small British detachment with 2 officers and 46 men.

Although the fort was not heavily manned by British troops, it did hold a collection of heavy artillery including cannons, howitzers, and mortars. During the early stages of the American Revolution, these armaments were in short supply within the colonial army.

Following the Battle of Lexington and Concord, during the Siege of Boston, Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen and other patriots including 100 Green Mountain Boys were sent to Fort Ticonderoga to capture the armaments. Before dawn on May 10, 1775, Allen, Arnold and 83 Green Mountain Boys crossed Lake Ticonderoga and rushed the fort. The only sentry on duty at the south gate fled after his musket misfired. Most of the British troops were sleeping, and were woken at gunpoint. No one was killed in the assault.

The cannons and other armaments from the fort were transported to Boston during the siege. They were used to fortify Dorchester Heights and drive the British out of Boston. Check out these videos to learn more about the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.

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Capture of Fort Ticonderoga - Video

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