Congress and Ticonderoga

On this day 250 years ago, two major events occurred that would further the American cause.

Second Continental Congress

In Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. 

This Congress represented  a unified colonial response to British policies. Going forward, the 13 colonies would work as one to defend themselves.

Fort Ticonderoga

In upstate New York, a force under the command of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold approached Fort Ticonderoga. In a surprise pre-dawn raid, Allen’s Green Mountain boys captured the fort from the small British garrison without firing a shot.

This was an important victory because the fort dominated the route into the 13 colonies from Canada. It also held much needed supplies for the colonial army.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at three big things about these events.

1. Together as One - These events showcase efforts among the disparate colonies to unite in a common cause. The Second Continental Congress brought 13 colonies together. This would be the beginning of a common identity as Americans. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold united to capture Ft Ticonderoga.
2. Not All Rosy - But not all was rosy. There were tensions between Arnold and Allen. Eventually, the two would split. Fortunately, this occurred after their victory. But it foreshadows the kind of personal conflicts that would jeopardize the cause in later years.
3. Agile Armaments - In addition to the fort itself, the colonists captured nearly 20 cannon weighing a combined 60 tons. Later, Col. Henry Knox would display agility by leading an expedition to transport these cannon across 300 miles of wilderness to Boston. One historian called this effort “one of the most stupendous feats of logistics” of the war.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.