2018 Fort Ticonderoga Defiance and Independence: 1777 Battle Re-enactment
Experience Fort Ticonderoga Defiance and Independence: 1777 Battle Reenactment on July 20-22, 2018 for a three-day battle re-enactment highlighting the climactic summer of 1777 as its American garrison was outflanked by a British invasion force descending from Canada. Highlighted programming featured throughout the weekend brings to life the surprising American retreat and British capture of Fort Ticonderoga in early July 1777. Experience the fog of war and smoky haze of battle as the American and British armies maneuver across this historic landscape. This two-day battle re-enactment will dramatically show how General Arthur St. Clair decided to evacuate Ticonderoga set the stage for British General John Burgoyne.
Fort Ticonderoga Defiance and Independence takes place Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission to this re-enactment event is included in a Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket.
A Defining Story Brought to Life:
During the Fort Ticonderoga Defiance and Independence reenactment, visitors will witness the intensity of battle as American soldiers retreat back from their entrenched camp under the intense British drive to capture the fortifications. They will discover the diverse forces that comprised this campaign and meet with soldiers of the two armies including the Royal Artillery, the Rear Guard, and the Continental Artillery.
This living history event and battle recreation will re-enact a careful chess game between the British Army and an entrenched Continental Army at Ticonderoga. Reprieved from a siege in 1776 by the onset of winter, Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence faced General John Burgoyne’s northern army of British, Loyalist, and German soldiers in July 1777. General St. Clair’s rearguard of Massachusetts and New Hampshire regulars and militia put up a vigorous defense, skirmishing in the hills and valleys around Ticonderoga. Artillery batteries built into the old French Lines seemed to keep the British army at by. Concealed by forest cover on the back slope of Mount Defiance, British cannon were dragged to the summit. By July 6, 1777, British cannon high up on Mount Defiance, aimed at the pontoon bridge between the two Forts of Ticonderoga and Independence, forced the withdrawal of General St. Clair’s rearguard into the Hampshire Grants (Vermont).
Where a Goat Can Go, A Man Can Go!
Saturday evening at 6:30 pm a gun crew from the Royal Artillery will haul their cannon to the summit of Mount Defiance, aiming at the Fort located below. Guests can witness the incredible feat and discover the details of this decisive stroke and witness a cannon demonstration in the evening light of the beautiful summit. Advanced tickets are required for this event and must be purchased at Fort Ticonderoga or call 518-585-2821.
Other Fort Ticonderoga Living History Demonstrations & Reenactments
Fort Ticonderoga offers more than one hundred exciting and unique events and programs each season. Follow the link below to learn more about the Fort, its ongoing Living History demonstrations, battle reenactments, facilities and more.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Fort Ticonderoga Defiance and Independence: 1777 Battle Re-enactment.
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