Fort Ticonderoga Timeline: 8000 BC - 1609

Native American Occupation

8000 B.C.  The earliest archeological evidence of Indian presence is found on the Ticonderoga peninsula. The shoreline would have been a seasonal camp for Indians taking advantage of the rich food sources in the area's lake and wetlands. 

1000 B.C.  Archeological evidence shows that Indian agriculturists were planting crops on the Ticonderoga peninsula. 

Early Exploration

1609  Samuel de Champlain is the first European to visit the great lake that bears his name. The famed French explorer, accompanied by two other Frenchmen and an Algonquin war party explored the lake for France. It is believed that the Champlain party came ashore at the Ticonderoga peninsula. There they encountered a band of Iroquois. A skirmish ensued during which Champlain used guns, stunning the bow and arrow armed Iroquois who fled after several of their tribesmen were killed.