NY, USA
Burgoyne's Army Retakes Fort Ticonderoga
July 6, 1777
In early July 1777, Burgoyne's army approaching from the north appeared before Fort Ticonderoga. American commanders had believed the garrison's position impregnable — until British artillery chief General William Phillips hauled cannon to the summit of Mount Defiance overlooking the fort. Once guns commanded the water approaches and the fort itself, the position became indefensible.
The American garrison under General Arthur St. Clair evacuated the night of July 5–6 without a major engagement, retreating south. The loss of Ticonderoga shocked American public opinion, which had viewed the fort as a symbol of Continental strength. Congress briefly considered court-martialing St. Clair, though he was eventually acquitted — his evacuation prevented the destruction of an army that survived to fight at Hubbardton and eventually contribute to Saratoga.
People Involved
Continental general who made the controversial decision to evacuate Fort Ticonderoga in July 1777 rather than face Burgoyne's superior force. Though condemned by Congress, the evacuation saved the garrison to fight at Saratoga.
Skilled British artillery officer who directed the placement of guns on Mount Defiance overlooking Fort Ticonderoga in 1777, making the American position untenable. His mastery of artillery influenced every major engagement of Burgoyne's campaign.