Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory: Historian to discuss the British loss at Fort Carillon

On the morning of July 5, 1758, the largest army ever assembled in North America sailed from the head of Lake George to capture the French Fort Carillon (later named Fort Ticonderoga). The British outnumbered their foe by nearly four to one, yet they lost the battle in a fight that resulted in more single-day military deaths than any other in North America until the Civil War Battle of Antietam more than 100 years later.

“It was the greatest spectacle ever seen on Lake George,” says historian Dr. Bruce Venter.”Some 15,000 troops in 1,000 boats with artillery set off from the southern end of the lake with assured victory in the air. But things went horribly wrong in a hurry.”

French and Indian War historian John-Eric Nelson will present his research on the humiliating British defeat at Fort Carillon on Thursday, June 19, at the Holiday Inn Resort, 2223 Canada Street, Lake George. Nelson’s presentation, titled “Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory: The 1758 Battle for Fort Carillon,” will begin at 7 p.m. Nelson’s presentation will delve into the reasons for the unexpected French victory — what the French did right, and what the British did wrong.

The event, sponsored by the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, is free and open to the public. Those wishing to attend may reserve a seat in advance by contacting the Alliance at info@lakegeorgebattlefield.org.

John-Eric Nelson is a member of the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance, a retired teacher, an independent historian and a reenactor. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps with two Vietnam tours. He regularly gives talks on colonial war topics throughout the Northeast and Canada.

Image: Historian and reenactor John-Eric Nelson tells the stories of the French and Indian War at a Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance member event. Alliance Trustee Todd Earl looks on.