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| A popular destination for
history lovers since the early 19th century, Fort Ticonderoga is one of
America’s earliest historic preservation projects. When the
restoration began in 1909, the museum’s founders, the Pell family, began a legacy of
sharing Ticonderoga’s epic history that has continued for over a century.
The fort is still privately owned and administered by a nonprofit board
headed by a member of the Pell family. |
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| Fort Ticonderoga formed its
first fife and drum corps in 1926 on the eve of the 150th anniversary
celebration of American Independence. When the World’s Fair came to New
York City in 1939, the fife and drum corps was a featured performer on May
10th, Fort Ticonderoga Day celebrating the 164th anniversary of the
capture of the Fort by Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain
Boys. |
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| The corps performed at the Fort
each summer until the beginning of World War II. In
1973, in preparation for the bicentennial, Fort Ticonderoga revived the
fife and drum corps to perform daily during the Fort’s summer season.
They have performed every year since. |
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| At the fort, one can experience
the story of how the blood spilled to create an empire, in the French
& Indian War, resulted in the struggle for America's independence a
generation later. It is easy to envision the defining moments in
America's history when nations fought to control a continent. The
museum contains a sword, a rifle, and two pistols that were actually owned
by Ethan Allen. |
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| The building of the Fort dates
to 1755, the beginning of the Seven Years’ War in North America.
On 10 May 1775, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys
captured Fort Ticonderoga
in a daring early morning raid and solidified the what many people
consider the first American victory of the Revolution. |
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| Yes, there were females at the
Fort who mended clothes and performed other chores, as necessary. |
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| Costumed interpreters
demonstrate the roles of soldiers in the fort. This tailor was busy
making new uniforms. |
