A Fort Crown Point Day
Sunday, May 13th, 2017 was a memorial unveiling of a “New” Knox Cannon Trail” marker at the Crown Point State (NY) Historic Site. From the day’s dedication ceremony souvenir handout , we were reminded that in 1927 fifty-six monuments, 30 in New York and 26 in Massachusetts, were installed along – the route that Gen Henry Knox took between December 5, 1775 and January 24, 1776 from Fort Ticonderoga (NY) to Boston (MA) . The mighty task brought the much needed heavy artillery to General Washington, who at that was entrenched along Dorchester Heights, needed to assist with the removal of the British from Boston. However, that 1920s marker commemoration did not include the fact that 29 of those cannon, and other important military items, General Knox carried with him, came from the ruins of Fort Crown Point – built by General Jeffrey Amherst in 1759.
Fort Crown Point – Museum Model
That omission finally was corrected with yesterday’s unveiling ceremony outside the site’s Museum Building. It was through the energy and dedication, along with their generous financial assistance, that several organizations including: N.Y.S. Organization, Daughters of the American Revolution, (and our own local Chapter – Ticonderoga D.A.R.) , Parks and Trails New York, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Friends of Crown Point Sate Historic Site and others that this omission was corrected.
The Ticonderoga Historical Society salutes all those individuals and organizations during the pass several years that made all this happen on Saturday, May 13th, 2017. A very good deed well done!!
Our photo album contribution of the day ~~
Long before the American Revolution the British and French both laid claim to Crown Point. The French built Fort St. Frederic here between 1734 and 1737 and used it as a base for raids on British settlements.
Fort St. Frederick – Museum Model
Model of the old French Fort Frederick – Crown Point NY circa 1734
In 1759, after numerous failed expeditions, the British finally took control of Crown Point and constructed a new fortification. In 1773 this massive fort caught fire and burned and all of its cannon were buried in its collapsing walls.
At the outbreak of the American Revolution, American militia surrounded the British army in Boston. In need of artillery and supplies to support this siege an American force led by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen captured Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775 and a detachment under Seth Warner secured Crown Point on May 11, 1775.
Attending the ceremonies was a descendant of Seth Warner representing “Descendants of the Green Mountain Boys” Here speaking with Tom Hughes, former Site Mgr.
Benedict Arnold set his men to work salvaging 111 cannon from the ruins of Crown Point, of which 65 were usable. In November General George Washington sent Colonel Henry Knox to Lake Champlain to collect 59 pieces of artillery.
Today, we can only imagine the daunting task Henry Knox took to undertake. It stretches our minds of today to think how, with out “modern” machinery, that nearly 120,000 pounds of this collective military armament was transported overland in his 250 mile endeavor.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution
The new Fort Crown Point Historical Marker
Thank you all who participated for a wonderful contribution to the recognition and promotion of our regional history.
Since 1897 the Ticonderoga Historical Society has had an interest in protecting this region’s historical sites. Down through the years the Society has supported and promoted the interest in our regional history. Your membership is welcome – to help us keep our vision alive ~~ ” a place were we make area history an integral part of our community life by connecting our region’s past and present in order to shape our future.”
5/14/17 wgd
#CrownPointKnoxCannonTrailMarkerdedicatikon #CrownPointKnoxTrailMarker