In New York’s Adirondack region the history of the American Revolution is close at hand. At Fort Ticonderoga, on the western shore of Lake Champlain, tours and demonstrations teach visitors about conflicts that helped determine the direction of two wars. Farther south, Saratoga National Historical Park marks the turning point of the Revolution, when the Continental Army put an end to British general John Burgoyne’s campaign. Visited together on a road trip through the state, these sites offered us a personal and affecting encounter with New York’s Revolutionary past.

Blufftop Stronghold

Built by the French in the 1750s, and set on a promontory above Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga became a strategic foothold during the French and Indian War and ended up in British hands. Later, during the early stages of the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in a surprise attack. The Americans were eventually forced to abandon it to Burgoyne before he later surrendered at Saratoga.

Today, the structure is meticulously re-created, and it’s an easy day trip from some of our favorite Adirondack hotels. When we arrived, a torrent of rain meant our planned boat tour was no longer an option. Instead, we made our way through the near-empty grounds to the star-shaped stone fort itself, where the scent of wet hay and smoky firewood helped to transport us to the past. We walked through a passageway to reach the muddy courtyard just in time to see two reenactors in red coats conspiring. It felt like stepping onto a film set. Inside the museum, we learned about the history of the fort and its role in both wars. When the rain subsided, we walked along the ramparts, studded with cannons, taking in the panoramic views and atmosphere of this historic place.