Mount Defiance, a tall peak located to the south-west of Fort Ticonderoga's
Garrison Grounds played a large strategic role in military events around Fort Ticonderoga during the 18th century. During the
French and Indian
War, the French troops occupying Fort Ticonderoga did not fortify the position, thinking it too steep and inaccessible. The British took that opportunity to scout French activity below in the Fort.
A generation later, at the beginning of the American
Revolution, the Americans also neglected to fortify the positions on Mount
Defiance.
Overlooking Fort Ticonderoga
from Mount Defiance
View from the Fort toward Mount
Defiance
The British troops managed to drag cannon to the top of Mount
Defiance, making the American troops in Fort Ticonderoga Independence an easy target. As a result, American troops evacuated Fort Ticonderoga and
Mount Independence in July 5, 1777.
Today visitors may access Mount Defiance by car. The summit overlooks a large portion of the Champlain Valley, the Fort and the Vermont lake shore and offers a spectacular views. A picnic pavilion is located at the summit. This is a carry in carry out facility.
Hours of operation for Mount Defiance coincide with Fort Ticonderoga. It is open from 9:00 - 5:00 when the gates are
closed and locked. Mount Defiance is owned and maintained by the Fort Ticonderoga Association.
