The King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga

Next to the restored Fort Ticonderoga is a curious dirt path leading to a little dell. The place is called “King’s Garden.” Even though the day was very hot and we were tired from our long trek through the Fort’s many museums, we decided to take a look at this garden. A staid rock entrance [...]

A Visit to Fort Ticonderoga, Part 3

We spent the better part of a day at Fort Ticonderoga, taking in the magnificent sights of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain, absorbing the amazing and sometimes tragic history, and exploring the fort’s numerous labyrinthine pathways and alcoves. And this was all before we had even entered one building! Read Part 1 and Part [...]

A Visit to Fort Ticonderoga, Part 2

In A Visit to Fort Ticonderoga, Part 1, I discussed the amazing views of the fort and its very important role in the defense of pre-colonial settlements and American Revolutionary strategy. After soaking in the glorious sights and enjoying a musket drill, we entered the interior ring of the fort that once housed the soldiers, [...]

A Visit to Fort Ticonderoga, Part 1

Fort Ticonderoga, an historic site in New York near the Vermont border (Lake Champlain) has everything: breathtaking views of the Adirondack high peaks, walking paths through gardens and restored pre-colonial buildings, hands-on stuff and lots of climbing and exploring for the kids, and oodles and oodles of ancient history– well, as ancient as America can [...]

Don’t Close the Herkimer Home!

According to WKTV, New York State lawmakers are considering closing the Herkimer Home– a NYS park and a member of the National Register of Historic Places– permanently. I’ve written extensively about Nicholas Herkimer and the Herkimer Home and his background. I find it unconscionable that the state would permanently close this park. It costs the [...]

Bagg’s Square and Old Fort Schuyler, Utica, NY

Before there was Utica, there was Fort Schuyler. And before there was Walmart, there was Bagg’s Tavern at Bagg’s Square. This site, located north of the city, was the first area in the area to be settled and maintained as a merchant center. It’s quite the experience, exploring this old little building with superhighways roaring around you.

Lake George and Fort Ticonderoga, NY

Lake George in the autumn. What can I say? Sheer glory! We traveled up the beautiful and scenic Route 9, in the heart of the eastern Adirondacks Park. We finally found Fort Ticonderoga, too. And even though the Fort was closed, we snuck in for a little quiet exploration and photo op. What an adventure!

Happy Birthday, Fort Stanwix!

Oh, how we love Fort Stanwix! Fort Stanwix, in Rome, NY, was built during the French and Indian War, to provide protection for “The Carry.” The Carry was a trail on dry ground between the popular waterways, Wood Creek and the Mohawk River. It was so named because settlers and traders had to hop out [...]

Fort Stanwix, Rome, NY: A Great Park!

Fort Stanwix in Rome recently celebrated it’s 75th anniversary as a state park and National Historic Site! This week is National Park Week, and Fort Stanwix has some special events at the park. This is from National Park Service: “We are excited about this coming year and celebrating the 75th birthday of Fort Stanwix National [...]

Oriskany Battlefield: Bloodiest Battle of the American Revolution

There is an element of deep sadness here. This was the battleground of the bloodiest battle in the fight for American independence. But it set off a shockwave of victory that helped to change the course of the war. Hundreds of men died here. We came to give our respects, and found time to have a little fun, too.

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