The Online Resource for Historians, Educators, Students and Visitors since 1997 Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's Explorations on the lake This is a graphics-intensive publication, to fully experience the site we recommend you have JavaScript enabled.  Permission to reproduce material from this site must be obtained from the publisher. See copyright notice. Privacy Policy Looking for the perfect gift for the history buff? Click HERE for more information or to order! Twitter, too!

MOUNT DEFIANCE
Ticonderoga, New York
(click here for map)

By James P. Millard

NEW!  Images of Fort Ticonderoga by Jim Millard and
Images of Ticonderoga and Mt. Independence from Mt. Defiance
A virtual tour of the fort in grayscale- specifically for publishers

Just southwest of both Ticonderoga and Mt. Independence, this mountain was to play a critical role in the ultimate abandonment of these fortresses. Known as Serpent a Sonnette or Rattlesnake Hill to the French, it was renamed Sugar Loaf Hill by the Americans. Despite the fact that it commanded a view of all the defenses on both sides of the lake, it was deemed too steep to fortify. Despite advice to the contrary by such figures as Benedict Arnold, John Trumbull and Thaddeus Kosciusko, it remained unfortified until the British under Burgoyne exploited this advantage and dragged cannon up its steep slopes. Realizing that a serious blunder had indeed been made, the Americans saw that their position was now untenable and gave up the forts below.   A panoramic view from the summit, view from north to south, Ticonderoga on left, Mt. Independence on right. During the Revolution the two peninsulas were connected by a bridge. A view from the Mount towards Ticonderoga Marker at the foot of the hill. Telephoto shot of Ticonderoga Howe grave memorial at base of the hill. Another view from the Mount.
Another panorama from north to south. (click on the thumbnails to see a full size photo)

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