2012 CHAPTER 16: History Lessons in New York

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July 7-11: When I left Vesta and Chuck's I intended to drive north in Vermont to Lake Champlain. I crossed the south end of the lake and proceeded to Ticonderoga. While seeing so many historic areas of the Revolution, I decided to visit one of the most important areas of that war.

Fort Ticonderoga—the name conjures images of “wild” Indians, bitter cold and dense forest. The star-shaped fort was built originally by the French during the French and Indian War and kept it as a strategic defense point for the portage of boats to Lake George which leads to the Hudson River. The embattled fort changed hands several times. The British took it from the French. During the Revolution the Americans used it to prevent the British from invading from Canada via Lake Champlain. The British used it to enable them to do just that. After losing the pivotal battle at Saratoga, the British pretty much abandoned the site. It was never considered strategic after that and fell into ruins. Private parties began restoration in 1909.

Today the Fort is a tourist draw and a place for teaching history. Volunteers dress in period costumes and perform activities as those who occupied the fort would have done. I spent most of the day there enjoying the fort and the gardens around it. I listened to two concerts by the drum and fife band, explored the fort pavilion and its gardens, strolled through the small graveyard and talked to some of the fort staff. The museum was interesting as I continued to learn about the early history of the colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Bootsie-Yawn-n-n. Marty parked the RV in a big parking lot. Lots of cars to look at. I am so BORED!

Saratoga Springs, located several miles south of the fort, offers a completely opposite image. A genteel city with gracious buildings and parks, it had its heyday during the late 19^th and early 20^th century. It was built as a resort and spa area for the many mineral springs nearby. Also known for the horse races held there, it grew a reputation for a popular gambling mecca. The Grand Union Hotel was the largest in the world at the time and could house 2000 people. The hotel was demolished in 1950, so I had to borrow a picture from the internet to see what it looked like. After many years in decline, Saratoga is staging a comeback with new posh hotels, spas and the ever-popular horse racing.



July 10-12: After leaving Saratoga Springs I headed in a southwestern directions across New York toward Elmira and some NOMAD friends who lived near there. It was good to visit with them and take it easy for a couple of days.

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Photos

Ft. Ticonderoga
A model of the fort in the museum.

Fort Ti Setting
The fort is located in the rolling Adirondack Mountains at the southern end of Lake Champlain.

Drum and Fife Corp
The small band marching out of the fort to play.

Colonial Soldier
Most of the colonial soldiers had to provide their own uniforms.

Inner Courtyard
Surrounded by barracks and buildings, the inner courtyard was fairly safe for daily activities.

Life at the Fort
Some of the volunteers and staff in costume.

Fort Cobbler
He demonstrated making shoes as they did in the 1700's.

Scarecrows
Interesting guardians of the fort's vegetable gardens

Formal Gardens
Landscaping around the Commanders home and later addition of the pavilion.

Peace and Quiet
One of the many parks in Sarasota Springs.

Mineral Water
A public fountain for filling jars of the mineral springs water in Sarasota.

Grand_Union_Hotel_Post_Card
A old card depicting the Grand Union Hotel in its heyday.

Comments

[donald hoff]

Can you believe that we have not been to Ft. Ti nor Saratoga? We love history and been to many Fts and Historic sites. Your trip , plus friends are just moving there.. leads us to believe it is time. Just one small correction .. Sarasota is Florida.. Saratoga is NYS

[MarthaS]

History lesson
You are so right, Don. Can't believe I did that with my notes right in front of me. I have edited, but don't know if it will take after publishing.

[Tarena Hanson]

Wonder if those ppl just volunteer to dress up in period costumes. Possibly future actors in the making.

[Vesta]

Ticonderoga
What a great side trip, Marty! So interesting. We've heard so much about the fort but never been there. This makes me want to go.

[joyce]

dates
I wish you could have the real date you were there, just for our memories. Joy

[D MJ Binkley]

Exploring New York
Lots of great history.