Crown Point State Historic Site facts for kids
The Crown Point State Historic Site is a really cool place in New York, right on a piece of land that sticks out into Lake Champlain. This spot was super important a long time ago because it was a military stronghold. It controlled who could travel on the lake!
Two big forts were built here. First, the French built Fort St. Frédéric in 1734. Then, the British built an even bigger one, Fort Crown Point, starting in 1759 during the French and Indian War. Later, during the American Revolutionary War, American soldiers called the Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Crown Point in 1775. But the British took it back in 1777. Today, you can visit the ruins of both forts and learn about their amazing history.
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History: A Look Back in Time
This area saw a lot of action, especially during big wars between different countries. It was a key spot where the French and British empires clashed in the New World.
Fort St. Frédéric: The French Stronghold
The French started building Fort St. Frédéric in 1734. When it was finished, its walls were super thick (about twelve feet!) and four stories tall. It even had cannons on every level! Hundreds of French soldiers, mostly from a group called Les Compagnies Franches de la Marine, lived and worked there.
This fort gave the French control over the border between their lands (New France) and the British colonies to the south. Many French attacks started from here, and it was a major target for the British during the French and Indian War. The fort's cannons could stop any boats trying to travel north or south on the lake. In 1759, when British forces came close, the French destroyed their own fort so the British couldn't use it.
Fort Crown Point: The British Giant
Instead of fixing the old French fort, the British decided to build a brand new, huge fort! General Amherst started building Fort Crown Point in 1759. He wanted to keep his soldiers busy after they captured another French fort (which he renamed Fort Ticonderoga).
This new fort was mostly built after the main fighting with the French was over. So, it was used more as a place to gather troops and supplies than for actual battles. After the French and Indian War, the British left only a few soldiers there.
On May 12, 1775, at the start of the American Revolutionary War, American militia called the Green Mountain Boys easily captured Fort Crown Point. The Americans found 111 cannons there, which were very helpful in fighting the British! Later, the fort was used by Benedict Arnold for his navy on Lake Champlain. But after his navy was defeated in 1776, the fort was left to the British in 1777. It was finally abandoned for good in 1780.
In April 1773, a huge accidental fire destroyed most of the fort, which was made of logs and earth. But the stone ruins of two barracks buildings survived. These ruins are still standing today and are carefully protected.
Today: Visiting the Historic Site
The Crown Point State Historic Site was created in 1910 to protect the ruins of both forts. Both Fort St. Frédéric and Fort Crown Point are recognized as important National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Fort St. Frédéric became a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
When you visit the park today, you can enjoy a picnic area and amazing views. There are also hiking trails, a museum, and even history interpreters dressed in old-fashioned clothes! They offer educational programs to help you learn all about this fascinating place.
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