Saltire Scholar Stories: Fort Ticonderoga Scots Day

During my first week interning for ScotlandShop, I was given the opportunity to attend Fort Ticonderoga Scots Day with members of the St. Andrews Society of Schenectady. It was an insightful event and being from Scotland myself I admired the way our culture was celebrated overseas. One thing I have realised through past experiences and before arriving here for my internship, is that American's cherish knowing where they are from and their heritage more so than my own friends back home. It stems from the United States being a relatively new country but also through the excitement people here have for learning about their past. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, however, Scots Day at Fort Ticonderoga showcased this appreciation and made me feel proud to be Scottish while bringing a smile to my face.

Fort Ticonderoga, formerly known as Fort Carillon, is a large star Fort in northern upstate New York, situated past Lake George and is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from our Albany Store. It was built by the French between 1755-1757 during the French and Indian War, which is also sometimes called the Seven Years' War. Specifically, it was constructed by a Canadian-born French military engineer by the name of Michel Chartier de Lotbiniere, 1st Marquis de Lotbiniere. The Fort was critical in the 18th-century colonial conflicts which occurred between Great Britain and France, and it was also significant during the Revolutionary War of 1812.

One thing I find quite interesting about the Fort - and something which took me a few attempts to pronounce correctly - is the name: Fort Ticonderoga. The word “Ticonderoga” comes from the Iroquois - a family of languages of Indigenous North Americans - word tekontaro:ken, meaning “it is at the junction of two waterways”. This is because the waterway is linked to Lake Champlain and Lake George, and it controls a river portage that was vital for competition over trade routes between the British-Controlled Hudson River Valley and the Saint Lawrence River Valley, which at the time was controlled by the French. For years during the 18th century, the Fort went between French, British, and American control. In 1820, it ceased to be of any military value, and in the year 1781, it was purchased by a wealthy family and restored almost a century later. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, museum, and location for historical events held throughout the year.

Fort Ticonderoga is of huge importance to Scottish military history as it played a crucial part in the "heroic attack" of July the 18th, 1758, when the 42nd Highland Regiment, as part of the British Troops, fought against the Marquis de Montcalm's French army.

Fun Fact: The 42nd (Royal) Highland Regiment of Foot, which was a Scottish infantry regiment in the British Army, is also known as the Black Watch. Therefore, I wore our Black Watch Tartan to the event to signify the military connection.

This battle is referred to as the Battle of Carillon, fought during the French and the Indian War, and saw the British Army - under the control of James Abercrombie- lose to the French army which was controlled by General Marquis de Montcalm and Chevalier de Levis. The French army had a much lower number of troops, however, James Abercrombie made some fatal errors, the foremost being they attacked the French without using field artillery, leading to a defeat for the British. The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment were part of 6,000 troops who fought in the battle, alongside other regiments. Nevertheless, the 42nd regiment suffered the most casualties and losses, they made up a notable amount of the total British casualties.

The Scottish soldiers are often referred to as 'red-coated Scottish soldiers' as they were known for their bright red or scarlet military garments. During Scots Day at Fort Ticonderoga, a remembrance parade down to the Carillon Battlefield celebrated the lives lost, and those who were portraying the soldiers were dressed in traditional garments.

Thanks to the President and Secretary of the St. Andrews Society of Schenectady I used their tent as my base and made connections with different societies, sellers, and the public, all whilst showcasing the ScotlandShop brand. The event kicked off at 10am and allowed vendors to showcase their services and products. At 11:20am the walk to Carillon Battlefield and Memorial Cairn begin which was led by the St. Andrews Pipeband of Vermont and staff of the Fort. It was a stunning celebration of Scottish culture with the pipe band leading the way. Once we reached the Cairn there was a moving remembrance service, documenting the history and the lives lost.

Throughout the afternoon visitors toured the Fort, talked with the societies present, and learnt more about Scottish heritage. It was really meaningful to see so many people interested in Scotland's culture and I loved seeing their eyes light up when they realised I was Scottish myself. The day finished with the traditional 'Ode to the Haggis' which was great fun to see and gave us all the opportunity to enjoy some whisky together, even the staff - after getting permission from their boss - had a little tipple.

Overall, Fort Ticonderoga Scots day was the perfect first event to introduce me to local societies and make the connections I aim to build upon over the course of my internship. It was a true pleasure to see our culture celebrated in a country outwith Scotland and I am grateful to have shared the day with incredibly kind people. I am very excited for what is to come.