Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga: A Turning Point in American History

Imagine a pivotal moment in history where a small force of determined patriots managed to seize control of a strategically vital fort, changing the course of events. This is exactly what happened on May 10, 1775, when Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led their troops to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British. Was this just another skirmish in the American Revolutionary War, or did it mark a turning point?

The Strategic Importance of Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga was like a key to a locked door; once seized, it opened up new possibilities for the Continental Army. Located on Lake Champlain, this fort had been built by the French in 1755 during the French and Indian War. After that conflict, its strategic importance waned, but its location remained crucial. The fort held a collection of heavy artillery and was situated on an important route between the Thirteen Colonies and British-controlled northern provinces.

The Surprise Attack

Colonists had long planned to capture Fort Ticonderoga, recognizing its potential as a valuable asset. Benedict Arnold’s familiarity with the fort’s condition led him to recruit for this mission. In March 1775, John Brown, an American spy, notified the Massachusetts Committee of Safety that the fort ‘must be seized as soon as possible.’ Arnold arrived outside Boston and informed the committee about cannons at the lightly defended fort. The committee authorized him to command a secret mission.

The Dawn Raid

Arnold assembled his force at Hand’s Cove, crossed Lake Champlain, and attacked Fort Ticonderoga just before dawn on May 10, 1775. They took advantage of the element of surprise, quickly seizing the fort’s cannons and other military equipment. Lieutenant Feltham and Captain Delaplace put up some resistance but ultimately surrendered their swords.

The Aftermath

While the initial capture was successful, the aftermath revealed a different story. Was Arnold’s attempt to plunder the fort for personal gain justified in the face of military necessity? 400 men took liquor and provisions from the fort, leading to Arnold reporting to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Ethan Allen issued receipts for stolen liquor stores, while Arnold catalogued military equipment at Ticonderoga and Crown Point despite difficulties caused by collapsed walls.

The Battle of Fort Crown Point

Meanwhile, Seth Warner captured Fort Crown Point on May 10 (or 12) after an attempt was thwarted by headwinds. A small force also took Fort George on Lake George. Arnold sailed the schooner Liberty to capture the British warship at Fort Saint-Jean, seizing supplies and HMS Royal George. Boats that could not be taken were sunk, and the enlarged fleet returned to Lake Champlain.

The Strategic Impact

Fort Ticonderoga’s capture had significant strategic implications. It severed overland communications and supply lines between British forces in Quebec, Boston, and New York, leading to a division of command structure. General Carleton was given independent command of forces in Quebec and the northern frontier.

The Dispute Over Credit

After the fort’s capture, a dispute arose over who should receive credit for the operation. Was it Allen or Arnold who truly deserved recognition? The war of words between these two leaders led to Allen writing a memoir that failed to mention Arnold, while Arnold wrote a diary critical of Allen.

The Legacy

The capture of Fort Ticonderoga marked the beginning of offensive action taken by the Americans against the British. It gave the Continental Army a staging ground for the invasion of Quebec later in 1775 and set the stage for future events, including General Schuyler’s use of the fort as a staging ground for an invasion of Quebec.

The capture of Fort Ticonderoga was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War, marking the beginning of offensive action against British forces. It not only provided valuable artillery but also disrupted supply lines and command structures, setting the stage for future victories. The legacy of this event continues to be celebrated as a symbol of American determination and ingenuity.