Fort Independence

Fort Independence is a military fortification in Orwell overlooking Lake Champlain, with defensive earthworks and trenches dating from the Revolutionary War era. The site covers roughly 300 acres and preserves remains of gun positions, powder magazines, and soldier barracks.

Construction began in July 1776 after American forces suffered defeats in Canada and needed a defensive stronghold. Thousands of soldiers from New England worked rapidly to build this strategic position on Lake Champlain.

The site received its name when Colonel Arthur St. Clair read the Declaration of Independence to soldiers on July 28, 1776.

The site is best visited during warmer months when trails are clear and a small museum is open to explore. Walking the grounds helps visitors understand the layout and defensive design of the Revolutionary War installation.

At its peak in fall 1776, this location housed roughly 13,000 soldiers, making it one of the largest military installations of early America. This remarkable concentration of troops made it a major hub of the war effort, though this scale lasted only briefly.

Location: Orwell

GPS coordinates: 43.82690,-73.38060

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09