John Blackshoe Sends: Serendipity History – Fort Ticonderoga May 10, 1775 - The First American Victory of the Revolution

As Sarge had wandered off to pay maternal homage in Vermont, it gives us a chance to better understand his heritage of being somewhat¹ feisty and independent. It goes a long way back, being a Vermont tradition.

It was a mere three weeks ago that the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution began, as we honored the insurgents who stood up to the British forces at Lexington and Concord seeking to seize colonial store of arms and military supplies, and chased them back to Boston. 

250 years ago this past weekend, the audacious "Green Mountain Boys" under Ethan Allen seized Fort Ticonderoga, then a lightly garrisoned post, but with a whole lot of cannons. Making his demands "in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress," Ethan Allen was already a veteran fighter. He had served in the French and Indian War/Great War for Empire (1756-1763). 

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
Alonzo Chappel
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More recently, he and his quasi-militia "boys" had been a rather pugnacious bunch, who had settled in what is now Vermont, but then was territory claimed by both New Hampshire and New York. New Hampshire started off selling bargain price land grants to French & Indian war vets, and many moved there. But, a while later New York commenced selling the same lands, and settlers could either pay NY for what they already purchased from NH, or be run off the land by NY sheriffs. Many, like Allen, chose the third option, standing up to NY sheriffs and running them off the land and retaining their homes. Thus Allen and the "Green Mountain Boys" were already a force to be reckoned with in the region near Ft. Ticonderoga. (This is based on excellent info you can read about here.)

 

The Green Mountain Boys were part of the force which set out in June 1775 to capture Quebec and encourage the Canadians (presumably malcontent French-Canadians) to join in the rebellion against British domination. Following a long march in the near wilderness, a harsh winter and failed attack under the leadership of then American hero Benedict Arnold the colonial invasion force retreated in October 1776. The Québécois, perpetually malcontent, were not inclined to be disloyal, and the American foray was a dismal failure.

Ethan Allen was captured in an attack on Montreal, leading a group of Canadian volunteers he had raised. He was thrown in a British prison ship, then in a castle in England and Ireland, and then a prison ship HMS Mercury in New York Harbor. In May 1778 he was exchanged for British Col. Archibald Campbell and joined Washington’s forces encamped at Valley Forge. Although he was given an honorary promotion to brevet colonel for his bravery during his “long and cruel captivity” Washington had little need for Allen’s services. Allen then returned to Vermont and was immersed in local politics and attempts to gain recognition and statehood. (Source)

British Prison Hulks moored off the Tower of London 1805, similar to what Allen was imprisoned on.
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The cannon from Ft. Ticonderoga were hauled to Boston as soon as winter freezes and snow made the move practicable, under the leadership of fat Boston bookseller and self taught artillerist Henry Knox. The 300 mile trip took 56 days and their arrival on January 25, 1776 strengthened the Siege of Boston, convincing the Brits to evacuate the city on March 17, 1776.

Knox’s “Noble train of Artillery” en route from Ticonderoga to Boston.
By Tom Lovell circa 1946.
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Allen and other Vermonters, finally declared their independence from British rule on July 8, 1777. Not only that, but they declared their independence from New Hampshire and New York as well, and desired to join the 13 colonies, but New York objected, so Vermont remained independent until 1791 when it became the 14th state.

And everyone wants to know, but not badly enough to ask, if the famous Ethan Allen of Ft. Ticonderoga had anything to do with the eponymous furniture company?

No. Nat Ancell and Ted Baumritter founded a housewares sales agency in 1932. They sell plaster gnomes, trellises, and garden swings — all made by someone else. In 1935, determined to take control of their destiny, Nat and Ted purchased a bankrupt sawmill for $25,000 and started manufacturing home furnishings. “We fell hopelessly in love with Vermont and with what New England represents historically.“

At the 1939 Chicago Housewares Show, Ancell and Baumritter introduced a 28-piece line of colonial-style furniture, named for a son of Vermont and an American hero: Ethan Allen. By the 1950s, they had expanded operations to include three sawmills and eleven manufacturing plants. Their one millionth piece of furniture was a beautiful chest crafted from solid maple presented to President Eisenhower. In 1969 they officially changed their name to the Ethan Allen Company. (Source)

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So, now you know.

So, go forth and do great things to perpetuate the deeds of our ancestors, done “in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.” You might keep in mind another quote from Ethan Allen -

The pursuit of knowledge and truth

is the greatest weapon against ignorance

and oppression.

- Ethan Allen

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¹ Editor's Note: Somewhat? There are some who might differ, I'm married to one who would. (She would say "totally," not "somewhat."