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Targe 2012

Fort Ticonderoga 1777

Introduction

Fort Ticonderoga was built by the French in 1755 at a strategically important point on Lake Champlain. In May 1775 at the start of the American War of Independence Fort Ticonderoga was captured in a surprise attack by the Green Mountain Boys. Later that year it was the staging post for the failed American invasion of Quebec.

1777 Campaign

In March 1777, American generals considered a British attempt on the Fort a likely possibility. However, Washington disagreed, therefore no significant actions were taken to further fortify Ticonderoga or significantly increase its garrison. The garrison, about 2,000 men under General Arthur St. Clair, was too small to man all the defenses, including Mount Defiance that threatened the fort.

General Burgoyne led 7,800 British troops south from Quebec in June 1777. After occupying nearby Fort Crown Point without opposition on June 30, he prepared to besiege Ticonderoga. He realised the tactical advantage of Mount Defiance, and hauled cannons to the top. Faced with bombardment from the heights (even before any shots had been fired), General St. Clair ordered Ticonderoga abandoned on July 5, 1777. Burgoyne's troops moved in the next day with advance guards pursuing the retreating Americans. The news of the abandonment of the "Impregnable Bastion", without a fight, caused alarm throughout the colonies.  After public outcry, General St. Clair was court-martialed in 1778, but was cleared on all charges.

Refight

The refight obviously requires a lot more fight from the Americans to make an interesting game. So our ‘what if’ scenario assumes that St Clair was not aware of the full strength of the British forces and decided to take the initiative after his troops were forced off the outlying defences. So instead of abandoning the fort he counterattacks.

The game uses 28mm figures from a range of suppliers. The fort is made from Stronghold wall sections and other bits and pieces with mostly Last Valley scenic’s. The rules are Black Powder.