Fort Crown Point

Fort Crown Point is a military fortress on a peninsula at Lake Champlain with substantial earthen ramparts and two surviving barracks buildings from the colonial era. The ruins reveal the remains of a complex defensive layout with multiple bastions and interconnected fortification lines.

The British built Fort Crown Point in 1759 during the French and Indian War as the largest earthen fortress in North America. After initial use, the site was eventually abandoned but its substantial fortifications remained partially intact through the following centuries.

The fort complex displays remains from French and British periods, reflecting how different powers shaped the Champlain Valley over time. Walking through the site, you notice how each occupation left its own mark on the fortifications and layout.

The site is best explored on foot, with ruins spread across the grounds and clearly marked paths for visitors to follow. The museum provides helpful context about the fortification before you walk through the outdoor areas.

The fortress was originally connected by a road network spanning several miles, linking multiple defensive structures across the peninsula. This expansive layout made it one of the most extensive fortified systems of its era.