Example 1777 World Events

Siege of Fort Ticon

TOC

The historic Siege of Fort Ticonderoga occurred between July 2 nd and July 6 th at Fort Ticonderoga, near the southern end of Lake Champlain in the state of New York. British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's 8,000-man army occupied high ground above the fort, and nearly surrounded the defenses. These movements led the occupying Continental Army, an under-strength force of 3,000 under the command of General Arthur St. Clair, to withdraw from Ticonderoga. There were some casualties, but there was no formal siege and no pitched battle. Burgoyne's army occupied Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, the extensive fortifications on the Vermont side of the lake, without opposition on July 6 th . Advance units pursued the retreating Americans. The uncontested surrender of Ticonderoga caused an uproar in the American public and military circles, as it was believed to be virtually impregnable, and a vital point of defense. St. Clair was vilified by Congress. Although later exonerated in a court martial, his military career was over. But, after the war, he served as President of the Continental Congress, and Governor of the Northwest Territory that would become Ohio in 1800.