Today In History logo TIH
The Americans had held Fort Ticonderoga for two years when General John Burgoyne
1777 Event

July 6

British Take Fort Ticonderoga: America Loses a Key Position

The Americans had held Fort Ticonderoga for two years when General John Burgoyne spotted something nobody else had seen: Mount Defiance wasn't actually unscalable. His crews dragged cannon up the 750-foot peak in late June 1777, aiming directly down into the fort's wooden buildings. General Arthur St. Clair watched those gun barrels appear on July 5th and made a calculation—his 2,500 men couldn't survive a bombardment from above. By dawn, the fort was empty. Congress screamed "coward." But St. Clair's army lived to fight another day. Sometimes retreat is the bravest math.

July 6, 1777

249 years ago

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on July 6

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking