Experience Reenactments of the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first victory of the American Revolution.
Fort Ticonderoga in the Adirondacks.
Fort Ticonderoga, located on Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks, will host three days of historic reenactments and events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the pivotal capture of the fort.
Visitors will be transported back to the dawn of the American Revolution through an immersive experience at the very locations where these events unfolded, allowing them to witness our nation’s first victory.
America’s first victory in the war for independence.
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga, which took place on May 10, 1775, was a significant early event in the American Revolutionary War.
A joint force led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, consisting of the Green Mountain Boys and militia from Boston, surprised and seized control of the small British garrison stationed at Fort Ticonderoga.
This operation not only resulted in capturing valuable artillery but also significantly boosted American morale.
A fierce fight.
The event, part of Fort Ticonderoga’s REAL TIME REVOLUTION™ programming, is titled “No Quarter!” The phrase means showing no mercy or refusing to spare the lives of defeated opponents, often used in war or conflict.
It signifies the American revolutionaries’ willingness to fight without restraint, even to the point of killing all opponents without taking any prisoners.
Cannon fire at Fort Ticonderoga.
According to Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President & CEO, “Visitors will step into the final days of the British garrison during ‘No Quarter!’, encountering soldiers and their families unaware of the conflict brewing. The dramatic nighttime capture set the stage for the American offensive in the fight for independence.”
“No Quarter!” will begin on May 9 and continue through May 11 with a real-time march and recreation, with reenactors tracing the journey of the Green Mountain Boys from Vermont to Fort Ticonderoga.
Planned stops for educational outreach in Sudbury, Orwell, and Shoreham, Vermont, will offer insights into the Green Mountain Boys’ organization, supply train, and charismatic leaders who spearheaded the operation.
On Saturday evening, an exclusive, limited-capacity program will detail the actual capture of Fort Ticonderoga, from the Green Mountain Boys storming the fort to the legendary Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold negotiating with British officers for control of the garrison. This special evening event is already sold out, but there will be a live stream on YouTube.
Ethan Allen demands the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga. Getty Images.
Three days of exciting and informative events.
“No Quarter!” event highlights will include:
Green Mountain Boys March | May 9-10: Follow the historic route through Vermont, with educational stops in Sudbury, Orwell and Shoreham:
Friday, May 9, 9-11 a.m. – The Green Mountain Boys March from Sudbury
After camping overnight on Sudbury’s historic town green, the Green Mountain Boys will break camp and prepare to march again. See these New England patriots quickly cook a hearty breakfast, saddle up their horses, and step off on their way to capture Fort Ticonderoga.Friday, May 9, 1- 5 p.m. – The 250th of the Green Mountain Boys in Orwell
250 years to the day, the Green Mountain Boys will march through Orwell, Vermont. Discover the route of the last day’s march of the Green Mountain Boys, from Castletown to Lake Champlain. Students at Orwell Village School will learn about a day in the life of the Green Mountain Boys through hands-on exploration of reproductions of the clothing, equipment, and personal items carried by these patriots.All are invited to see the pack horses and provisions that supplied the Green Mountain Boys and learn about how the colony of Connecticut employed them for the secret mission to secure Fort Ticonderoga.
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. – The Green Mountain Boys March into Shoreham
See the Green Mountain Boys marching through Shoreham, Vermont, to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Meet colorful characters, like Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen.See the train of packhorses that rode with the Green Mountain Boys, bringing the supplies for their expedition.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. Learn more about the foods that provisioned the Green Mountain Boys and how they cooked them in the brief pauses along their march.
At an 11:30 Musket Demonstration, explore the arms and accoutrements carried by the Green Mountain Boys. At 1:00 p.m., watch as the Green Mountain Boys resume their march to Lake Champlain and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga.
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Performance | Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m.: Experience the stirring sounds of the United States Army’s official ceremonial unit, renowned for their precision drills and authentic 18th-century music.
Exclusive Limited-Capacity Event: The Evening Capture of Fort Ticonderoga | Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.: Witness the dramatic nighttime assault as the Green Mountain Boys storm the fort, recreating the surprise capture. Observe the tense negotiations between British officers and the legendary Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold.
As mentioned earlier, this special evening event is already sold out, but there will be a live stream on YouTube.
Vermont Air National Guard Flyover | Sunday, May 11, 1 p.m.: The modern-day Green Mountain Boys from the Vermont Air National Guard will honor their predecessors with a two-ship F-35 Lightning II flyover, providing a powerful tribute to this historic event. As with all aerial operations, this flyover may be impacted by weather, mission, or other conditions.
BETA Aviation Flyover | Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m.: An aerial honor guard from BETA Aviation will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Green Mountain Boys’ capture of Fort Ticonderoga with a spectacular formation flyover. Watch Vermont aircraft's past, present, and future as they cruise over the site of heroism and triumph on May 10, 1775. As with all aerial operations, this flyover may be impacted by weather, mission, or other conditions.
Follow “No Quarter!” Virtually: Connect with the action through Fort Ticonderoga’s Facebook page on May 9 and 10, featuring live updates on the Green Mountain Boys’ march and insights into the historical figures and routes involved.
Fort Ticonderoga overlooking Lake Champlain.
For more information about REAL TIME REVOLUTION™, visit Fort Ticonderoga’s website.
