Our Trip to Fort Ticonderoga

 

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ticonderoga)

"Fort Ticonderoga, formerly Fort Carillon, is a large 18th-century star fort built by the French at a narrows near the south end of Lake Champlain in upstate New York in the United States. It was constructed by Canadien Michel Chartier de Lotbiniere, Marquis de Lotbiniere between 1754 and 1757 during the Seven Years' War, often referred to as the French and Indian War in the USA. It was of strategic importance during the 18th-century colonial conflicts between Great Britain and France, and again played a role during the American Revolutionary War."

We recently took our grandchildren, ages 2, 5 and 9, on a trip to see Fort Ticonderoga (http://www.fortticonderoga.org/). Not only do we want them to have fun, but we want them to learn something new wherever they go. I always tell my grandchildren to learn as much as they possibly can, because it will allow them to do whatever they choose when they grow up.

It was a beautiful day in upstate New York with a breeze blowing through high on the hill. Nice after the previous week of 90 degree heat and humidity. Of course they were all intrigued by the many cannons throughout the fort. They ran from one to another looking out over the hills and water, pretending they were in charge of the cannons.

Our first stop was to the cooking area outside the fort. There the French Soldier talked about the history of the fort, and explained how they dug into the earth to create the fire pit and cooking area. He then proceeded to show them how he started his fire each day without the modern convenience of matches.

 

 

We then walked through the fort and were able to see the soldiers as they made uniforms and shoes by hand. Saw the young soldiers learning to play the different songs in the Fife and Drum Band. We were told how each song had meaning to the soldiers, such as the raising of the flag, calling them to meals, to their post with the muskets, or other events of the fort.  One soldier gave a detailed history of the fort, while others gave a musket demonstration telling how and why they were in formation when shooting.

 

We stayed as long as their ages would allow and then headed down Route 22 to Whitehall, NY. We took them to lunch at a restaurant named Lucia's (formerly known as the Roma) and enjoyed a nice meal. They had a great time going to a "real" restaurant (not fast food).  From there we headed home with three tired and happy young children. I will put together photo albums for all three of their big adventure so they may go back to that day over and over.

 

We had a wonderful day and know that this will be one of many trips with them. So many places to go, and things to show them. As we have always said - they do not remember what you buy them, they remember what you did with them. Some day I hope they have many photo albums full of memories..