Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga is a town in Essex County, New York, United States, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain in the Adirondack region. It includes the village of Ticonderoga and is named for Fort Ticonderoga, a nearby historic site that has shaped the area’s identity. The name and its associations reflect long Indigenous and colonial-era history in the region.

Fort Ticonderoga, originally built by the French as Fort Carillon in 1755 during the French and Indian War, was renamed Fort Ticonderoga after its capture by British forces in 1759. The site played a prominent role in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. In May 1775, the fort was captured by American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. The fort’s artillery later helped lift the siege of Boston, contributing to early American military efforts. In 1777, Burgoyne’s British army recaptured it during the Saratoga campaign, and the fort changed hands again before ultimately returning to American control after the war.

Today, Fort Ticonderoga is a National Historic Landmark and a major tourist destination. It preserves period buildings, houses a large collection of Revolutionary War-era artifacts and artillery pieces, and is operated by the non-profit Fort Ticonderoga. The surrounding town economy relies on tourism, historical preservation, and outdoor recreation. The site and its amenities draw visitors from across the region and beyond, making Ticonderoga a notable historical and cultural destination in upstate New York.