Fort Ticonderoga Recreates the Epic 1758 Battle of Carillon

ALBANY, N.Y. - July 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Join Fort Ticonderoga for an exciting two-day battle re-enactment highlighting the epic 1758 Battle of Carillon! Witness how the British amassed the largest army in North American history to date yet was stunningly defeated by a French army a quarter of its size. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, 9:30am to 5 pm.

Highlighted programming featured throughout the weekend brings to life the story of the courageous French soldiers that protected their lines of defense against all odds.  Visitors will meet the British and Provincial soldiers who gave their utmost to drive the French from the rocky peninsula and fortress of Carillon, later named Ticonderoga. Experience the fog of war and smoky haze of battle as the French and British armies maneuver across Fort Ticonderoga’s historic landscape at battle re-enactments at 1:30 pm each day.  Admission to Montcalm’s Cross Battle Re-enactment is included in a Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket.  For the full event schedule and to learn more about the event visit www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.

“During this dramatic event, visitors will discover how the Battle of Carillon sealed the reputation of Ticonderoga for generations to come,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga’s President and CEO. “The July 8th battle resulted in the greatest number of casualties in one day until the American Civil War and as a result, Ticonderoga became a legend in its own time.”

“In July 1758 the British army attacked the French at Carillon (Ticonderoga) attempting to capture the Fort and take control of the portage between Lake George and Lake Champlain.  On July 5th, the largest military force ever assembled in North America embarked by bateaux down Lake George,” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga Director of Interpretation. “Abercromby’s army of British and Provincial soldiers landed at the north end of Lake George, after a long night packed into the fleet of bateaux. Sweeping through the La Chute valley, Brigadier General Lord Augustus Howe and the advanced guard encountered a lost patrol of French soldiers. In the ensuing confusing battle on July 6th Lord Howe was shot through the chest, and killed on the spot. The death of this leader, known as the darling of the army, struck a blow to British morale and tactical command.”
“On the 7th of July the French at Ticonderoga constructed a half mile-long log wall protected in front by a dense tangle of treetops and sharpened branches to serve as a barrier against the British attackers.  This fortification was known as the French Lines.  On July 8th, the British attacked.  After seven hours of fighting, the British had suffered casualties of nearly 2,000 men killed and wounded.  Broken and dismayed, the British retreated back to their camp at the southern end of Lake George.  The retreating soldiers brought with them the story of this great battle, taking the name Ticonderoga home to taverns and newspapers in America and Britain. This fight for the Heights of Carillon at that time was the single most-bloody day in American history, and gave Fort Carillon a formidable reputation. News of this miraculous victory reached France by the fall of that year and marked France’s greatest victory of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). On October 1st, 1758 the French army staged a reenactment of the battle, to accompany fireworks to celebrate in front of Paris city hall.”

The Montcalm’s Cross Re-enactment Event is made possible by generous funding support from the History Channel and Peter S. Paine, Jr.

Fort Ticonderoga offers more than one hundred exciting and unique events and programs this season! Visit www.FortTiconderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821. Funding for the 2013 season is provided in part by Amtrak.  Visit http://www.fortticonderoga.org/visit/directions for a special 2 for 1 Amtrak offer!

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort ™
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. Serving the public since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 guests annually and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Fort Ticonderoga’s history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May 17 through October 20, 2013. The 2013 season features the Fort’s newest exhibit “It would make a heart of stone melt” Sickness, Injury, and Medicine at Fort Ticonderoga which explores early medical theory, practice, and experience as each relates to the armies that served at Fort Ticonderoga in the 18th century.  Admission price is $17.50 for adults, $14.00 for seniors (62 years and older), $8 children 5-12 years old, and children 4 years and under are free. Friends of Fort Ticonderoga also enjoy free admission. Visit www.FortTiconderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York.

America’s Fort is a registered trademark of the Fort Ticonderoga Association.