The American Revolution between the American colonists and British Empire, which began with “no taxation with representation,” turned into a full-out war. Beginning on July 2nd General John Burgyone began the Siege of Fort Ticonderoga with 8,000 men.
On this day July 6th, in 1777, British forces capture Fort Ticonderoga after four days. The Continental Army was far outnumbered with only 3,000 troops under General Arthur St. Claire. St. Claire surrendered the fort with minimal casualties. He was later criticized by congress for having given up the fort so easily, and St. Claire would never again be given command in the field. But he stood by his decision, later saying his choice was to “Save his character and lose the army” or “Save the army and lose his character.”
Fort Ticonderoga was given to the Continental Army by the French, who supported the revolution from the British. This fort allowed control over the narrow passage on the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers, a key water route. The British control over the fort greatly empowered their forces, weakened the Continental Army and gave King George III reassurance that he had beat the Colonial Army – but of course he did not, and the Continental Army ultimately prevailed.