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The climatic summer of 1777 will be experienced anew as Fort Ticonderoga presents its “Defiance and Independence” battle re-enactment this weekend.
The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22. The weekend brings to life the surprising American retreat and British capture of Fort Ticonderoga in early July 1777. This re-enactment shows how Gen. Arthur St. Clair’s decision to evacuate Ticonderoga set the stage for British Gen. John Burgoyne’s advance towards Albany.
Visitors will be able to experience the fog of war and smoky haze of battle as the American and British armies maneuver across Fort Ticonderoga’s historic landscape at 1:30 p.m. each day.
“‘Defiance and Independence’ will take place on the actual ground where the events of early July 1777 took place,” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s director of interpretation in a press release. “British artillery officer, Gen. William Phillips’, brilliant decision to place cannons atop Mount Defiance will be recreated in historic downtown Ticonderoga Saturday evening as Fort Ticonderoga staff and volunteers haul artillery up Montcalm and Defiance Streets on their way to the mount’s summit.”
On Sunday morning visitors and re-enactors will experience shock and chaos as Gen. Phillips’ heavy guns break the dawn over Ticonderoga.
“Visitors will experience the excitement as mounted command staff gallop into the Fort announcing its imminent capture,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga’s executive director. “They will be immersed in the moment when American Continental command staff assess their dire situation and debate whether or not to abandon America’s critical stronghold on Lake Champlain. Meanwhile in the British camp, visitors can explore Gen. Burgoyne’s battle-hardened army of British, German, and Loyalist troops and discover the sights and sounds of an army on campaign as soldiers cook their rations, clean their muskets, and enjoy the humble comforts of a bed of straw and canvas tent.”
Admission to “Defiance & Independence” is included with Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket.
For a complete highlighted event schedule visit http://www.fortticonderoga.org/learn/re-enactors/defiance-independenceor call 518-585-2821.
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