A History Lesson

Ticonderoga, was key to the continent of North America. The British were in possession of territory to the south, and the French were in control to the north. The passageway for trappers, traders, and invading armies was "the portage" upon which you will race.

British General Lord Howe, in July, 1758 lead 16,000 British troops against the French-held fortress Carillon, later called Fort Ticonderoga.

The British landed on the opposite shore of the race starting area (letter N on the below map). Finding the bridge leading to Carillion burned out by retreating French soldiers, they marched on the west side of Lake George's channel, looking for a crossing. On the way, Lord Howe was killed by a French Patrol (Letter L).

Now lead by Abercromby, an ineffectual leader, the army camped at the lower falls, now Bicentennial Park and the finish line of the race (G on map).

Lord Howe had been called "the best soldier in the British army," and his death in the Battle of Ticonderoga Falls so shocked his Majesties forces that they wound up marching directly on Carillon and were utterly defeated. They outnumbered the French garrison at Carillon 5 to 1, but suffered thousands of casualties.