Tell the truth, who hasn’t ignored good advice at some point in their life, only to regret it later? Such was the case with Mount Defiance, with its perfect view of Fort Ticonderoga.
After the Americans took control of Fort Ticonderoga from the British during the American Revolution, Deputy Adjutant General John Trumbull felt that this imposing mountain overlooking the fort would make them vulnerable to attack.
Don’t believe him? Here’s a closer look from the summit.
Trumbull even conducted an experiment firing a cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to prove that it was within range.
To further make his point, Trumbull, along with Benedict Arnold, Anthony Wayne, and others climbed Mount Defiance, proving that although not an easy climb, it was possible.
But the powers that be ignored his findings, and never followed through with his recommendation to build a fortification at the summit.
But you know who did build a fortification at the summit? The British! For you see they were already aware of the strategic advantage of the mountain from the French and Indian War, and their effort to gain control of the fort when it was known as Fort Carillon by the French.
So what has been described as with “astonishing speed,” in July 1777 the British army cut a road up the mountain, hauling two cannons behind them, and surprised the Americans in the fort below.
Yep. Let that sink in for a moment.
Funny, right? Well thankfully, the cannons weren’t needed to be used. The Americans realized what happened, and unceremoniously abandoned Fort Ticonderoga in the early hours of July 6, 1777.
But don’t worry, in September 1777 an American raiding party under the leadership of Colonel John Brown was able to capture the British battery on Mount Defiance, and aim those British cannons back at the British in Fort Ticonderoga. Sadly unlike the previous turnovers of Fort Ticonderoga, one Brunswick soldier was killed in the bombardment.
Oh and those raiders? Well they didn’t hold onto Mount Defiance for long. They weren’t equipped to be there for long. They really should have brought along a picnic lunch like we did when we visited. On September 22, 1777 they withdrew from this strategic location. So in reality, they more disrupted British operations there, than actually take control. It was the much bigger Saratoga Campaign that ended the fight for control of Fort Ticonderoga.
Today visitors are welcome to hike up the mountain like Deputy Adjutant General Trumbull, or take a more leisurely drive to the summit. There you will find beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding countryside, including Mount Independence in Vermont, which is another stop to be shared in the future from my tour of New York. But for now I will leave you with this reminder to always be opened minded when you get a bit of advice. I hope you take my advice here, and for more information about visiting Mount Defiance, go to FortTiconderoga.org.
