Celebrate Independence Day Where It All Started!
Jun 19, 2012
Independence Day strikes a patriotic chord in Americans today, but in 1775 total separation from England was hotly debated and yet to be seen. Join Fort Ticonderoga this Independence Day to walk in the foot steps of Continental soldiers and watch them demonstrate the weapons of Independence and explain the daily military duties performed by soldiers at the Fort in 1775. Explore family programs that highlight the fight for Independence and listen to patriotic performances by Fort Ticonderoga’s Fifes and Drums.
Experience the moment that the United States began to take shape! Relive the stories of the men who helped transform America from British colonies into the United States a year prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fort Ticonderoga’s Independence Day living history event is included in the general admission ticket. Highlighted activities take place from 9:30 am until 5 pm, July 4. For more details visit www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.
Schedule highlights include:
9:30 am
Raising the Colors
Watch the stars and thirteen stripes of the United States' flag hoisted proudly by Fort Ticonderoga's Fife and Drum Corps.
10:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:45 pm
Guided Tour of Fort Ticonderoga
Explore how the capture and garrison of this ‘old French Fort’ built during the French & Indian War helped turn the siege of Boston into a full-fledged War for Independence.
11:15 am and 2 pm
Musket Demonstration
Witness the power of the weapons of Independence. See first-hand the precision, skill, and discipline required of soldiers in the handling and use of mlitary firearms at Fort Ticonderoga.
11:30 am and 2:30 pm
King’s Garden March
Follow the stirring march of the Fife and Drum Corps to the King’s Garden. Learn more about the martial music that communicated orders and regulated soldiers fighting in the American Revolution.
12 pm and 3 pm
King’s Garden Tour
Explore this beautiful Colonial Revival garden and learn about the Ticonderoga landscape of 1775. Discover the farming and fatigue work necessary to transform this aged British outpost into a powerful American citadel.
12:30 pm
Fife and Drum Concert
Listen to favorite tunes from the American Revolution including Yankee Doodle, Chester, and many other familiar songs inside the walls of Fort Ticonderoga!
12:45 pm and 3 pm
Seven Months Emergency Service
Step back in time and speak with Connecticut soldiers of 1775 inside the soldiers' and officers' barracks. Ask them why they serve and what the prospect of Independence means to them and their families. You might be surprised by how these patriots saw themselves in 1775!
4:30 pm
Striking the Colors
With an armed honor guard, watch Old Glory lowered and folded as we conclude Fort Ticonderoga's celebration of American Independence.
5 pm
Site Closes to Visitors
FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private 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 visitors 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 18 through October 18. The 2012 season features the Fort’s newest exhibit Bullets & Blades: The Weapons of America’s Colonial Wars and Revolution which highlights over 150 of the museum’s most important weapons and is a comprehensive and expanded reinterpretation of its world renowned historic arms collection! Visit www.Fort-Ticonderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821. Funding for the 2012 season is provided in part by Amtrak. Visit http://www.fortticonderoga.org/visit/directions for a special 2 for 1 Amtrak offer! Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York.
Photo: Join Fort Ticonderoga this Independence Day and be immersed in the story that shaped our nation! Highlighted programs are offered throughout the day. Programming takes place from 9:30 am – 5 pm, July 4. Photo courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga.
