Celebrations continue as Fort welcomes record-breaking numbers of visitors

TICONDEROGA | Fort Ticonderoga is experiencing one of its strongest seasons in its 117-year history, with record-breaking attendance and visitors gathering daily at the site where the Continental Army held the line for American independence in 1776. The successful tourism season comes on the heels of Fort Ticonderoga's recognition as a "Best Living History" site for the nation's 250th birthday, and its inclusion on travel lists ranging from Fodor's to Smithsonian Magazine. The semiquincentennial July 4th weekend event, "Return of an Army," proved especially meaningful with more than 3,000 visitors, a 70.8 percent increase in paid visitation compared to the same dates in 2025 and national and international media outlets from the United States to Switzerland attending and covering the signature reenactment event. "Fort Ticonderoga is welcoming record-breaking attendance in 2026, and we believe it reflects something profound about this moment in American life — a nation turning back to its founding story and finding it here, on the ground where it actually happened," said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. "Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Continental Army held the line for liberty at Ticonderoga against all odds and that act of resolve made independence possible. This summer, we are honoring that stand with the most ambitious season in our history, bringing 1776 to life in real time through REAL TIME REVOLUTION® programs and living history events that will continue through 2027. The line was held here 250 years ago. We intend to make sure the world knows it." The 250th anniversary of the fight for American independence continues with the commemoration of the first-ever reading of the Declaration of Independence to the Northern Continental Army at Fort Ticonderoga on Tuesday, July 28. The REAL TIME REVOLUTION® Signature Reenactment, "Today We Are a Nation Among the People of the World" will mark arguably the bleakest point in the Revolution, when the Northern Continental troops first heard the words of the founding document on which they staked their lives in the fight for freedom. The reading of the Declaration of Independence is an included experience with any general admission ticket purchased for July 28. Then on Oct. 24 and 25, Fort Ticonderoga's penultimate Signature Reenactment of 2026, "Hold the Line for Liberty" will dramatically recreate one of the greatest Continental Army victories of 1776, occurring at the same time as one of its greatest defeats as the Royal British Navy advanced on Lake Champlain to Fort Ticonderoga before being turned back by the defenses mounted around the fort's walls and perimeter. The moments when soldiers at Ticonderoga held the line for liberty, and perhaps secured independence, will come to life. Below are highlights for "Today We Are a Nation Among the People of the World" July 28: 11 a.m.: Musket Firing Demonstration – Explore the workings of the different flintlock weapons carried by Continental Army soldiers in 1776. 11:30 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.: Book Talk & Signing with Author Tom Hand – Join author, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, Tom Hand, as he reflects on the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the resilience of the American cause in 1776, inspired by his books on the American Revolution. 1 p.m.: Procession to Liberty Hill – Follow the Fifes & Drums from Fort Ticonderoga to the recreated Liberty Hill Encampment, where American soldiers first heard the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. 1:15 p.m.: Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Set among the tents of a brigade of Continental Army soldiers, hear the Declaration of Independence, just as those soldiers experienced it on July 28, 1776. 2 p.m.: Cannon Demonstration – During the summer of 1776, American soldiers labored away building earthen fortifications to stop the British at Fort Ticonderoga. See how skilled American artillerymen loaded and fired cannons in defense of this new nation. For more information about the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the "Today We Are a Nation Among the People of the World" event, click here. For more information about "Hold the Line for Liberty," click here. A complete visitor schedule and more information about other Fort Ticonderoga programs can be accessed at www.fortticonderoga.org. Tickets are now available. Due to the anticipated high demand for Signature Events and the America 250 commemorations, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.

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Celebrations continue as Fort welcomes record-breaking numbers of visitors

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