BATTLE // January 1, 1777

Siege of Fort Ticonderoga

Name: Siege of Fort Ticonderoga
Start: 1777-01-01
End: 1777-01-01
Location: Siege of Fort Ticonderoga

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Significance

Burgoyne's seizure of Fort Ticonderoga in July 1777 removed a key defensive position on the Lake Champlain corridor without a pitched battle. By occupying the high ground above the fort, his 8,000-man force rendered the American position untenable and compelled St. Clair's under-strength garrison of 3,000 to withdraw, ceding both Ticonderoga and the extensive fortifications at Mount Independence on the Vermont side of the lake. The bloodless fall of the fort was a significant early success for Burgoyne's campaign to drive south from Canada and sever New England from the other colonies. However, the retreat kept St. Clair's force intact, and Burgoyne's subsequent advance into the interior of New York would eventually culminate in his defeat at Saratoga later that year, diminishing the strategic value of what had appeared to be an easy and decisive gain.

Tactics

Burgoyne's army occupied high ground above Fort Ticonderoga, nearly surrounding the defenses. The positioning of forces on commanding terrain made the American garrison's situation untenable. Faced with encirclement by a force more than twice their strength, the Continental Army under St. Clair chose withdrawal rather than a pitched defense. Advance units of Burgoyne's army pursued the retreating Americans after the fort was abandoned. Some gunfire was exchanged during these movements, but there was no formal siege and no set-piece engagement.