Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, with about 80
men, attack Ft. Ticonderoga capturing the British soldiers and the
artillery housed there. The fort controls the north/south route
between Albany and Montreal over lakes Champlain and George. While
this victory meant control of a strong, strategic fort, the more
important significance of this victory would not be recognized until
nearly a year later.
After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the
militias, and later the Continental Army, surrounded Boston in an
effort to contain the British military. General Washington directed
General Henry Knox to retrieve the cannons from Ft. Ticonderoga at
whatever expense it took. Late in January Knox returned with the
cannon and plans were made to reinforce Dorchester Heights overlooking
Boston.
During the night of March 5, 1776, Dorchester
Heights was fortified with prebuilt chandeliers and fascines and the
cannons brought 200 miles in the dead of winter from Fort Ticonderoga.
On March 6, 1776, six years after the Boston massacre, the British
awakened to find the Continental Army holding a commanding position
over Boston. The British were forced to abandon Boston marking a major
victory on the road to Independence.
All because a few men succeeded
in their fight for Freedom.
