Fort Ticonderoga

Before we came to Vermont on a mission, my knowledge of the state had come from the books I read by Robert Newton Peck, a Vermonter through and through. His works include A Day no Pigs Would Die, the Soup books, and Hang for Treason the story of the raid on Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys. Ethan Allen is a true Vermont hero. We were excited to learn that Fort Ti is in our mission so we went to this historic site with Greg, Janeen, Millie, Christofer, and Trey.
Fort Ti, originally Fort Carillon, was built by the French between 1755 and 1759 and is strategically located on Lake Champlain. At one time it was connected to nearby Crown Point by a cleverly built floating bridge. The British occupied the Fort in May of 1775, when Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys along with Benedict Arnold bravely captured the Fort for use in the impending war. They claimed their authority to do so came from the great Jehovah and the Continental Army. The Fort fell into ruin after several battles and occupations and was restored in 1909 by a wealthy patron. The Fort has been continuously visited by tourists every season since then. We enjoyed the short ferry ride to the Fort.







The Green Mountain Boys are a symbol of much pride in Vermont. Vermont's National Guard Unit in Afghanistan have taken this historic name as their own. Fort Ti is well maintained and its history well-documented. We thoroughly enjoyed the demonstrations and lectures and the gardens which were beautiful. A vegetable garden was to die for--not a weed in sight.

Vermont History Expo

Late in June, we went to a truly remarkable celebration in Tunbridge, VT. Scott, the Archivist, had told us about the Vermont History Expo which, he claimed, would be attended by 6-7,000 people. The Archives here would have a display. We were skeptical but had seen posters everywhere we went. What a treat!
Many, many of the little towns had displays arranged by their local historical societies celebrating the town's accomplishments or specialty. These people knew their stuff and every display was beautifully done. Re-enactments both Revolutionary and Civil War occured. You could get your ticket for half price if you wore a costume. One man even dressed in nightshirt and nightcap! Everyone marched in the parade.
The military was well represented. We'd never seen such enthusiasm from re-enacters of WWI and II--jeeps, equipment, medals, etc. The Civil War soldier was friendly and knowledgable.




There were wonderful displays in every building--all involved with the unique history of Vermont.



We spent several hours and talked to many remarkable people doing and displaying what they felt passionate about. I loved the little girl who was patiently waiting for her mother to explain the next step in her lace making, but felt duty bound to pose for our picture.
We were witnesses to a delightful little episode. We'd noticed a wonderful family beautifully dressed in costumes of the late 1800s. Mom in a beautiful bustled-dress with a lovely straw hat and high button shoes; Dad and 2 little boys in knickers, newsboy hats. As we approached the school, we saw the littlest boy running lickety split around the corner with mom coming as fast as she could restrained by her shoes and petticoats. The little boy, Eli, ran into the one-room classroom and started to climb out the window, but stopped just before he jumped out because it was too big a drop to the ground. Mom caught up just in time. Fun, fun day.