Presidential message marks 251st anniversary of Fort Ticonderoga capture as first Revolutionary War victory

The White House issued a presidential message on 10 May 2026 to mark the 251st anniversary of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. The statement frames the 1775 event as the first American offensive victory of the Revolutionary War, emphasising its significance in the broader context of the conflict against British forces.

The address details how a small band of American militiamen, primarily from the New Hampshire Grants, launched a surprise attack on the British garrison in the early morning hours. Under the joint command of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, the force, known as the Green Mountain Boys, seized the outpost without firing a single shot. The White House narrative describes this action as a decisive blow that stunned the most powerful military of the era.

According to the official briefing, the strategic value of the raid lay in the massive arsenal of artillery and cannons held within the fort. The message notes that these captured weapons were later transported by Colonel Henry Knox to Boston in January 1776, providing the Continental Army with the firepower necessary to challenge British control in New England.

In the 2026 address, the President used the occasion to honour the heroes of the conflict who demonstrated courage and resolve. The statement explicitly links the historical triumph of the patriots to the ongoing mission of the nation, describing the event as proof that the forces of liberty could triumph over the mightiest of empires.

The commemorative message serves to reaffirm the administration's commitment to preserving American liberty. By celebrating 250 years of independence, the White House pledges to ensure that the blessings of freedom remain the inheritance of future generations, drawing a direct line from the ingenuity of the 1775 raid to the current state of the nation.