Chocolate played an important role in the diet of a revolutionary war soldier.
Did you know that in 1775, the Connecticut Assembly passed the following resolution:
“As per May 11, 1775 the Connecticut Assembly Resolves Connecticut soldiers serving at Fort Ticonderoga were to receive as part of their rations, ‘Milk, Molasses, Candles, Soap, Vinegar, Coffee, Chocolate, Sugar, Tobacco, Onions and Vegetables’ in season…”
“Yes, Chocolate!” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation. “These rations made it all the way to Ticonderoga, and became a bone of contention with the New York soldiers who were not nearly as well provisioned that year.”
On Saturday, October 13th meet re-enactors of the Connecticut soldiers posted in the fall of 1775 at Fort Ticonderoga, and discover how chocolate was a simple luxury enjoyed by enlisted soldiers as well as officers. Step into the enlisted barracks and talk with soldiers about their sweet chocolate rations enjoyed in various forms to break the monotony of their usual stews. Visit the officer’s mess, where hot drinking chocolate makes the perfect final course to an early breakfast or late day supper. Rodney Snyder, Chocolate History Research Director for Mars Chocolate NA, will also be on hand to share the importance of chocolate in American history.
Free samples of hot chocolate featuring American Heritage Chocolate, an authentic colonial chocolate recipe made only from ingredients available in the 18th century made by Mars Chocolate, will be available throughout the day. Admission to this living history event is included with Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket. Fort Ticonderoga is open from 9:30 am until 5 pm daily.