Crown Point was a major strategic area during the French and Indian War that played a crucial role in controlling the waters of Lake Champlain. This peninsula juts out from the western edge of New York into Lake Champlain, creating a narrow channel that allowed those who held the territory to control maritime traffic up and down the lake.
Between 1734 and 1737, the French constructed a fort from which they conducted raids on the British. After numerous attempts and expeditions, the British were finally able to take control of Crown Point in 1759 and built their own fort.
The Crown Point Historic Site features remnants of key forts from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. The ruins of the French Fort St. Frederic and the larger British fort they named His Majesty’s Fort of Crown Point can be viewed on a self-guided tour.
The museum offers an informative multimedia orientation program that tells of the history of Crown Point. Visitors will get an in-depth lesson on the role of each fort, which contains artifacts that have been recovered and preserved, and get to observe large-scale models of both forts.
After taking in all the site has to offer, guests can have a picnic by the lake at one of the available tables and grills. The Champlain Bridge makes a scenic backdrop.
Guests can also visit the Champlain Memorial and lighthouse across the road at the Crown Point Campground. This is included in the entry fee.
At the lighthouse is a memorial dedicated to Samuel de Champlain, for whom the lake is named. It was dedicated in 1912 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Champlain’s discovery of the lake. Guests can climb the spiral stairs to the top and get stunning 360-degree views.
Guests who are interested in the early military history of America will find two other forts south of the site. Fort Ticonderoga on the western shore of Lake Champlain in Ticonderoga and Fort William Henry on the southern shore of Lake George in the Village of Lake George are intact forts with tours and activities available daily.
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