In the early dawn of May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold took Ticonderoga “in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.” Crown Point was also captured. The Colonies knew the importance of these forts which protected the great water gateway to and from Canada and stored valuable ammunition.
In November 1775, Gen. George Washington sent Henry Knox to bring cannon from Ticonderoga to be placed on Dorchester Heights near Boston. Knox transported the cannon to Fort George by scows and thence by sleds. A numerical summary of this cold winter accomplishment would be: 59 cannon, 82 sleds, 80 yoke of oxen, 40 days, 300 miles.
At about every six miles on Knox’s route, markers have been placed. One can be seen a little north of the Col. Williams Monument on the road between Lake George and Glens Falls.
The cannon were placed on Dorchester Heights during one night without being discovered. The next day the bombardment of Boston began and British General Howe decided to evacuate and sail for Halifax.
This picture of Henry Knox’s trek hangs in the entrance to Fort Ticonderoga.
Legend has it, that on their way, they passed through what would become the Town of Dresden years later.