Surprise at Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga
The ride to Fort Ticonderoga was spectacular. I still cannot get over how green all the vegetation is in this part of the country. Fort Ticonderoga was used in both the French and Indian war and the American Revolution War. During the American Revolutionary War, there was a small British garrison staying at the fort to protect cannons and ammunitions that were being housed at the fort. Three weeks after the Lexington and Concord Battles, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold, and the Green Mountain Boys had their first victory. They attacked Fort Ticonderoga early in the morning and demanded that the British surrender. The British did surrender. Henry Knox then began the task of moving the new cannons and ammunitions to Boston. It took them two months to get the new supplies to George Washington in Boston.
Moving of Cannon
Looking at the painting depicting the move of the cannons, reminded me of the Harriet Tubman quote to keep going. The lesson that I am sharing with my students is is you feel strongly enough you have to keep moving towards the goal. If the men would have given up in bringing the new supplies into Boston the outcomes could have been much different. In the picture by Tom Lovell shows the determination to complete their job. The theme of “Keep Going” started yesterday and continued into today.
The Adirondack Mountains were on my right as we traveled to Saratoga. The Adirondack Mountains are still rising by ¼” a year, but they look like hills compared to the Rocky Mountain of home. As we approach Saratoga we cross the Hudson. The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolution. I did not know that there were two battles fought on the grounds. One happened in September 1777 and the second on October 1777. As we stood on the battlefield, I tried to imagine how it was during the battles. I know that the grounds itself have not been altered since the battles, but I wander who was standing here. What were they feeling? What I do know is that it took a lot of courage to face and fight the British Army. The American showed that courage on Barber Wheatfield. The British were very confident that the Americans would retreat, like they had done in the past, but that did not happen. The Americans keep going. So what I take away from touring the battle grounds is to be courageous, and do not quit. It may not turn out successfully the first time, but it may the second time. The Battles of Saratoga are a great example.
Our Guide on Barber Wheatfield
