In December 1755, with Boston under siege by the British, Henry Knox began the “noble artillery train.” Knox used oxen-drawn sleds to haul 60 tons of cannon and other artillery through deep snow from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, a 300-mile journey. The arrival of the cannons in Cambridge six weeks later gave the Continental Army what they needed to drive the British fleet out of Boston Harbor.
The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance and the Warren County Historical Society are joining with Fort Ticonderoga to present an evening program on Monday, December 19 devoted to Henry Knox and his expedition. The program will be held at the Lake George Holiday Inn, 2223 Canada Street, beginning at 7 PM.
Fort Ticonderoga Museum Curator Dr. Matthew Keagle will be the featured speaker. His presentation will explore the patriots’ need for heavy cannon in 1775-76 and how it informed not only Henry Knox’s famous expedition from Ticonderoga to Boston, but also the broader plans for the overall campaign in the Lake George/Lake Champlain Theatre.
“This program will be a wonderful tribute to Henry Knox’s major accomplishment as we approach the 250th commemoration of his ‘Noble Train of Artillery’ in three years,” says historian and Battlefield Park Alliance Trustee Bruce Venter in a press statement. Venter noted that “Knox’s expedition brought Washington his first victory of the Revolution.”
The event is free to the public. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register at info@lakegeorgebattlefield for important notifications in case of inclement weather.
