Fort Carillon

Fort Carillon is a star-shaped fortification standing at a strategic location between Lake Champlain and Lake George. The structure displays the military architecture of the 18th century with thick stone walls and arranged bastions that once controlled water routes between New York and Quebec.

French military engineer Michel Chartier de Lotbinière built the fort between 1755 and 1757 during the North American conflict of the Seven Years War. It became a key stronghold in the struggle between French and British forces seeking control of colonial territories.

The name comes from the Iroquois word tekontaró:ken, meaning the meeting place of two waterways in the indigenous language of this region.

The fort is open to visitors from May through October and offers exploration of the restored compound along with weapon demonstrations and guided tours. The best time to visit is on weekends or during warmer months when all activities are available.

One of the largest military defense battles occurred in 1758 when roughly 4,000 French soldiers repelled an attack by around 16,000 British troops. This event demonstrated how effectively the fortress could be defended and made it a symbol of French resistance during that conflict.

Location: Ticonderoga

Inception: 1755

GPS coordinates: 43.84167,-73.38750

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41