Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Turning Point in the American Revolution

May 10, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of a bold and pivotal moment in American history—the capture of Fort Ticonderoga.

On this day in 1775, just weeks after the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, a small band of revolutionary patriots struck a decisive blow against British forces in the early days of the American Revolutionary War.

Fort Ticonderoga, nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain in northern New York, was a strategic stronghold that controlled key access points between Canada and the Hudson River Valley. Though lightly defended by the British at the time, its importance lay in its arsenal of heavy artillery—guns the Americans desperately needed. In the early hours of May 10, 1775, an eclectic force of colonial militia led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys—alongside a then-unknown Benedict Arnold—launched a surprise attack.

With barely a shot fired, they captured the fort and its British garrison in a matter of minutes. The victory was more than symbolic. The cannons seized at Ticonderoga would later be hauled over 300 miles by Colonel Henry Knox in an epic midwinter journey to Boston. There, they were mounted on Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city in March 1776—an early and crucial American triumph.

The capture of Fort Ticonderoga is often overshadowed by larger battles, but its legacy is profound. It demonstrated the effectiveness of colonial militias, boosted morale across the colonies, and gave the Continental Army the tools it needed to mount a meaningful defense.

Today, we remember not just the strategic victory, but the spirit of innovation, courage, and determination that defined the revolutionary generation. Fort Ticonderoga stands as a testament to their vision of liberty and the enduring impact of seizing opportunity in a moment of uncertainty.

Whether you're a student of history, a proud descendant of a patriot, or simply someone who cherishes freedom, this anniversary is a time to honor the daring that helped shape a nation.

If you want to read more about this historic anniversary, check out these books!