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Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoda, NY was constructed in 1755-1758 by the French and they called it Fort Carillon. Overlooking the southern end of Lake Champlain and the portage to Lake George it was one of many Forts that controlled the North South transit of commerce from New York to Canada. However, it is historically significant as site of 6 major battles between the World Powers from 1758 to 1777. The latter four of these occured during the American Revolution. | ||
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| Above, the entrance gate to the Fort Ticonderga National Historic site and Carillon Battlefield, give a hint of the magnificent stone buildings from that era of the American Revolution. | ||
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| Above the Northern and Western land approaches to the Fort have these large pointed stakes as their first line of defense. | ||
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| Above the second line of defense was guarded by these walls about 20 foot tall and topped by cannon. An aeriel view of the fort resembles a star with defensive spires radiating from the center. Map | ||
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| Above a row of cannons facing Lake Champlain. These raised walls protected and covered the Fort around the perimeter. | ||
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| Above, these same cannon on the Southern side guarded the Southern end of Lake Champlain. All flags were at half staff on this September 11th anniversay of the start of another War. Vermont is in the distance. | ||
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| Note the fine patina on these Bronze cannon above and ornate inscriptions from each manufacturers including the built date. The date codes had the four digit format as in 1755, 1758, 1776 etc. No broach marks were evident. | ||
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| This short stubby mortar above was about 6 foot long with an 18 inch bore. Any guess on the Caliber? | ||
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| Above the entrance archway under the Enlisted Mens South Barracks to the inner Parade Grounds are guarded by these massive Oak doors. Vermont and Lake Champlain are in the distance. | ||
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| Above the Enlisted Mens South Barracks and the inner Parade Grounds with the entrance archway. This courtyard view show the 3 story nature of these buildings, whereas the exposed sides only show the upper 2 floors. Every door and window were guarded by 3 inch thick oak shutters or massive Oak doors. | ||
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| I am a fan of wood, and Oak in particular as in these doors and peep holes below. | ||
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| Above the view across Lake Champlain from the second floor of the Enlisted Mens Southern Barracks. Note the old style glass with imperfections and bubbles. | ||
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| Above another view of the lower cannons, with additional cannons on the upper Bastion level. | ||
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| Above, the Enlisted mens Southern Barracks with the corner of the Officers Western Barracks on their left. The exposed sides of these buildings only show the upper 2 floors. | ||
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| Above, the end of the Officers Western Barracks. A dungeon was located in the basement. | ||
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| Above, this small alleyway and Ramp separated the Enlisted mens Southern Barracks from the Officers Western Barracks. Lake Champlain is visble between them. | ||
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| Besides these restored buildings are thousands of artifacts from early American culture from these ornate swords above, to military uniforms, canteens, muskets, flintlocks, powder horns. and mundane tools and kitchen implements. | ||
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| Below one of my favorites: a Blunderbuss. This was actually more often used on Naval vessels rather than in Forts. I would like to use this on Americas #1 terrorist enemy OBL, and #2 as well. As Al Pacino said at the end of Scareface: "Say hello to my leetle friend." | ||
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| Above, reconstruction continues to this day on the Northern Barracks also referred to as the "Magasin du Roi" or the Kings Magazine or Storehouse. This structure housed the Powder Magazine that exploded when the British set the Fort on fire after abandoning it. | ||
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| Long ago I visited here with my family, but honestly could not appreciate this part of our American Heritage at that time. However, it apparently did plant the seed for my return. Don't miss it, if you get the opportunity to visit this area. | ||