As America marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, Fort Ticonderoga today announced a major expansion of its Northern Department heritage network, now connecting more than 32 historic destinations, museums, tribal nations, and cultural sites across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Québec, and Indigenous communities — creating one of the most comprehensive Revolutionary War heritage trails in North America.
“The Northern Department of the Continental Army held the line for liberty in some of the most rugged and consequential terrain in North America,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Our expanded Northern Department does something these sites could never do alone — it connects visitors to the full sweep of that story, from the battlefields of Saratoga to the forests of Québec, and gives every traveler a reason to stay longer and go deeper.”
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, rebellion became revolution,” said Dr. Matthew Keagle, Curator of Fort Ticonderoga. “The expanded Northern Department mirrors that trajectory — broader in scope, deeper in stakes. From iconic battlefields to lesser-known stories, visitors can now use Fort Ticonderoga as a gateway to the full, unfiltered history of where the Revolution was fought and won.”
Fort Ticonderoga’s interactive Northern Department website links these significant historic sites and museums to the story of the American Revolution, making it easier than ever to explore the region’s rich history. Northern Department brochures are also available at locations throughout the region. Plan your Northern Department journey at https://northerndepartment.org/.
The Northern Department is featured in a video production available across social media channels during the 250th commemorative period, which places the region at the center of the conflict which shaped our nation. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftou31rylnM.
Visitors can anchor their Northern Department journey at Fort Ticonderoga this summer with REAL TIME REVOLUTION®’s “Return of an Army,” a signature 250th commemoration event July 3–5, 2026, recreating the 1776 defense of the Northern Continental Army.
About Fort Ticonderoga:
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a major cultural destination, museum, historic site, and center for learning. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $16 million annually. Presenting vibrant programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits, Fort Ticonderoga is open for daily visitation May through October and special programs during Winter Quarters, November through April. Fort Ticonderoga is owned by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, and is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. To view Fort Ticonderoga’s electronic press kit, click here.