It Begins Here.
On December 5, 1775, Henry Knox arrived at Fort Ticonderoga to embark on one of the most challenging operations of the American Revolution. Over five days at Ticonderoga, Knox directed the work of Continental soldiers to consolidate, load, and transport a total of 59 cannon, mortars, and howitzers, along with gunflints and lead. Weighing nearly 60 tons, this materiel was desperately needed by the Continental Army outside Boston. From Ticonderoga, Knox began a 300-mile journey over the Hudson Valley, the frozen spine of New England, and into history.
Henry Knox was a bold choice. Only 25-years-old when assigned to the task by General George Washington, Knox was a bookseller by trade. What he lacked in formal education he made up for with a passion for military science, actively pursuing his own study. Proving himself a capable self-taught engineer in the siege lines outside Boston, Knox drew the attention of revolutionary leaders such as John Adams and General Washington, who recognized his talent and energy.
On May 10, 1775, Americans seized Ticonderoga from the British with the objective of turning the fort’s artillery against Boston. Yet hundreds of captured guns sat idle as the Continental Army at Ticonderoga organized and eventually launched the invasion of Canada that summer. Thus, on November 16, 1775, Washington issued Knox the orders that would take him to Ticonderoga.
Henry Knox’s task was to complete the mission to get the artillery to the American siege lines and give Washington his first victory. What followed remains a powerful and inspiring story of American endurance and ingenuity, which begins here… at Ticonderoga.
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Henry Knox For Educators
In-person and Virtual Programming and Resources
Bring the story of Henry Knox and his daring “Noble Train of Artillery” to life in your classroom. Through our popular Henry Knox in the Classroom virtual or in-person outreach program, students explore the challenges of hauling heavy cannons across snowy miles, examine replica artillery and primary sources while meeting our oxen online. Educators can also stream the free Virtual Teacher Institute: “Noble Train! Henry Knox and the Siege of Boston” professional development session to dive deeper into Knox’s journey and classroom strategies for teaching the 250th anniversary. Then check out our NEW Henry Knox lesson plan for grades 3-5 and 6-8 through the Ticonderoga Institute!
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Knox on the Trail
Community Outreach
Fort Ticonderoga offers a number of larger outreach programs geared towards communities, libraries, and schools celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Noble Train of Artillery. Our skilled costumed educators, friendly well-trained oxen, and reproduction cannon can bring to life this signature event in our War for Independence. Inspiring talks and live demonstrations capture the scale of Henry Knox’s achievement, delivering guns from Ticonderoga to the Siege of Boston. Multiple packages are available to match the size of community celebrations, bringing Fort Ticonderoga’s renowned living history to evoke this exciting moment in the Revolutionary War.
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Knox's Book Club
Henry Knox's Reading List
In the fall of 1775, John Adams was concerned about the state of military knowledge in the Continental Army. He wrote to trusted sources, including Henry Knox, to seek out what books Americans ought to familiarize themselves with to better conduct the war.
Knox apologized for not responding for over 6 months, during which he was busy hauling cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston. Knox’s reply to Adams carefully laid out over a dozen books that he felt were vital for Americans waging their Revolutionary War. His reading list, consisting of both French and English works on practical as well as theoretical engineering and gunnery, reflects his own self-directed learning and awareness of the field.
Today, the Fort Ticonderoga Museum’s library has collected Henry Knox’s recommended readings. Preserved in various editions and bindings, this sub-collection provides a better understand the military education of one of early America’s most important and well-read soldiers.
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Artillery Collection
Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection
Henry Knox understood that cannon would shape the fate of the Revolution. Today, Fort Ticonderoga holds the largest collection of early modern artillery in private hands in the Western Hemisphere. Developed over a century, the collection represents the world of artillery Henry Knox worked within and the evolution of artillery from the 1680s to the 1810s. Bronze and iron guns from Great Britain, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain reflect changes in artillery doctrine and design that occurred over the long 18th century. Only a handful of guns with direct connections to Fort Ticonderoga survive due to the fates of war and later scrapping. The museum’s artillery collection began in the early 20th century, when staff scoured the hemisphere and beyond for guns from the 18th century. The resulting collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind covering artillery from across the Atlantic World.
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Knox Essentials
Shop Knox-Inspired Merchandise
Celebrate the legacy of Henry Knox by exploring our Museum Store’s exclusive selection of Knox-inspired merchandise. From books and apparel to unique keepsakes, each item connects you to the story of the Noble Train of Artillery and Knox’s pivotal role in the Revolution. Your purchase supports Fort Ticonderoga’s mission to to preserve, educate, and provoke discussion about America’s military heritage for present and future generations. Visit the Museum Store online today and bring home a piece of Knox’s remarkable journey.
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Media Inquiries
For all media inquiries, including accessing press releases and b-roll, please contact us directly.