Fort Ticonderoga Opens for 100th Season

TICONDEROGA, N.Y. --- Fort Ticonderoga opens as a historic landmark for the 100th consecutive year on May 21.

“We opened briefly to the public in 1909 for the Tercentenary of Champlain and at the beginning of the Fort’s restoration. We’ve been open every season since and the restoration is finally finished,” said Fort Ticonderoga director of marketing Marci Hall. “There’s no reason the Fort won’t be here for another century.”

The 18th-century fort, built on the south end of Lake Champlain, in Ticonderoga, N.Y., served as a military fortress and controlled a portage between Lake Champlain and Lake George. The French originally constructed the fort, between 1755 and 1758, and it played a significant role in the French & Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, in May 1775, Americans seized the fort under the commands of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. The fort remained under American control until June 1777, when British forces gained control until 1781. The fort was abandoned by the British following the failure of the Saratoga campaign.

Each year, nearly 90,000 people visit the fort and this season, a full roster of events is scheduled including a 100th Birthday Party and a Quadricentennial celebration, the 400th anniversary of the arrival of French explorer Samuel de Champlain on Lake Champlain, on July 25. The annual encampments and re-enactments of both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War are joined this year by a Scottish Festival on June 20. The Grand Encampment of the French and Indian War is scheduled for June 27 and 28 and will focus on the events of 250 years ago, 1759, when the British took Fort Carillon from the French and renamed it Ticonderoga. The Revolutionary War encampment is set for Sept. 12-13. Hundreds of re-enactors will portray British, Continental, German, and Native soldiers involved in the struggle for America’s independence.

“Each day is full of programs for kids, families and tours. During the months of July and August our Fife & Drum Corps will perform. It really is fun for all ages and so many families are bringing their second and third generations for visits. The Fort is a tradition!” remarked Hall.

Fort Ticonderoga is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through Oct. 20. Admission is $15 for adults, $13.50 for seniors and $7 for children seven to 12. Youngsters six and under are admitted free. For more information about the historic Fort Ticonderoga, visit their website, http://www.FortTiconderoga.org.