Lakes to Locks Passage
Military History Along Lakes to Locks Passage

Departure: Saratoga National Historic Park, New York
Destination: 1838 Stone Barracks, New York
Time to allow: 3 days

Brush up on your military knowledge by traveling through some of the most history-dense land in America. You'll tour holdings of both British and American forces, participate in re-enactments, and explore the homes of past strategic geniuses.

Day 1

  • Start: Saratoga National Historic Park

    Suggested time at this stop: 5 hours

    Site of the first significant American military victory during the Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga rank among the most decisive battles in world history. The Battlefield was made part of the National Park System in 1938. Make sure to stop by the Schuyler House and the Saratoga Monument.

  • End: Old Fort House Museum

    From previous stop: 35 minutes / 20 mi (32.0 km)
    Directions:

    Head north along US-4, which is also the Lakes to Locks Passage. Old Fort House is located in Ft. Edward.

    After lunch, stop by the Old Fort House, which was constructed in 1772 and contains authentic furnishings depicting the lives of the occupants from the 1800s through the 1940s.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 20 miles / 32.0 km
Total Travel Time: 35 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Mt. Defiance

    From previous stop: 1 hour / 44 mi (70.4 km)
    Directions:

    From Old Fort House, continue on US-4 north and junction with SR-22 at Whitehall. Continue on SR-22 until you reach Mt. Defiance.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    A morning trip to the top of Mt. Defiance is well worth the effort. Spread out below is the entire Champlain Valley, and it is easy to see how the military strategies of the nation-making era played out. A picnic pavilion will allow you to lunch while enjoying the view.

  • End: Fort Ticonderoga

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 1 mi (1.6 km)
    Directions:

    Head east on SR-74. The entrance to the fort is on the right.

    Fort Ticonderoga is much more than a restored military fortress. Your visit will include rich and varied offerings, including costumed interpreters, 30-minute guided tours, a world class museum, daily musket demonstrations, and self-guided tours of the fort.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 45 miles / 72.0 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 2 hours

Day 3

  • Stop 1: Crown Point State Historic Site

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue north on SR-22 and US-9N.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Start your final day at Crown Point, the much disputed area between French and Britain and the scene of early wars and encampments. Visitors today will find costumed interpreters, special events, and demonstrations, just to name a few activities.

  • End: 1838 Stone Barracks

    From previous stop: 1 hour 30 minutes / 69 mi (110.4 km)
    Directions:

    To reach Plattsburgh, continue north on SR-22 and US-9N.

    End your military history adventure at the 1838 Stone Barracks, located on the site of the oldest continuously operated military base in the US. This site will bring the past to the present as a final conclusion to your trip along the Lakes to Locks Passage.

Totals for Day 3

Total Distance Traveled: 84 miles / 134.4 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 2 hours