My family makes a point of going to Fort Ticonderoga every summer. Tri-corner hats, fife and drum corps, cannons and muskets surround us. Overlooking a beautiful backdrop of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga is where every day is re-enactment day.

According to Fort Ti President Beth Hill, the curators choose a year from the fort’s history and focus the season’s interactive exhibits, events, and activities around that singular year. This year when we step through the doors of Fort Ticonderoga it will be 1777.

“This year we’re retelling that dynamic point in history between the British and American forces,” says Hill. “During the first part of the year we are sharing the story from the side of the Americans. The programs will highlight what would have been happening when the Americans were in control of the fort. On July 5, the British take control. All of our interpretive demonstrations, historical gardens and living history will reflect that change. It’s a new experience for everyone, even people that came last year.”

Fort Ticonderoga was built by the French military in the mid-1700s as one of a series of forts used to control Lake Champlain. Originally named Fort Carillon, the fort was built atop the narrows at the outlet of the La Chute River.

“We are also offering boat tours on our authentic 19th century touring boat,” says Hill. “At Fort Ticonderoga we are a multi-day experience of water, land and mountain.”

Tours aboard the Carillon focus on aspects of the Fort Ticonderoga experience from the perspective of being on Lake Champlain. From maritime history to pristine views of the Ticonderoga Peninsula, visitors can get a new perspective of the value British, French and Americans placed on Fort Ticonderoga’s location.

Fort Ti is currently open seven days a week through October 16. Hours are from 9:30 am – 5 pm. Enjoy!

Photo of Fort Ticonderoga used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com.