Mount Independence: the least disturbed major Revolutionary War site in the United States today.

Atop this rugged promontory along the Vermont shore of Lake Champlain, American Revolutionary War troops built a fort complex to guard against a British attack from Canada. The troops named it Mount Independence in honor of the Declaration of Independence. This new fort faced north and stood across the lake from the fort at Ticonderoga, which, because of its southerly posture and poor condition, provided little protection from a northern attack.

Located at Mount Independence are several trails connecting well preserved remains of the Revolutionary War fortification. The trails pass through approximately four hundred acres of pasture and woodlands with vistas overlooking Lake Champlain and the surrounding countryside.

Cows, horses, and other animals graze the site and keep it open for our enjoyment. Do not chase or scare the animals. if one should annoy you, sharply clap your hands and the animal will wander off.

Camping is not permitted at the site. We ask that nothing be removed from the site unless you brought it in. Mount Independence is an important archaeological site held in the public trust. Therefore DIGGING, METAL DETECTING AND ARTIFACT COLLECTING ARE NOT PERMITTED. These activities are against the law; violators will be prosecuted to the fullest.

All trails start at the Visitors' Center, opened in 1996, which features permanent and visiting exhibitions pertaining to the exciting Revolutionary period, including many artifacts recovered from the site. A video history and tour may be viewed in the assembly hall. Next to the gift shop are restroom facilities. From the Visitors' Center, one proceeds outside through the gate to the information Outpost at the top of the hill .A bronze plaque, erected by the Sons of the American Revolution for the Bicentennial, is located on the ledge outcropping to the left of the entrance after you pass through the gate. We hope that you enjoy your visit to the site and will return often.

The site is located west of State Route 22A and the village of Orwell.To reach the site take Route 73 west from Orwell; take the first lefthand turn and leave Route 73.This is a paved town road that forks; take the right fork. The road will turn to gravel and go parallel to Lake Champlain. Once again the road will fork; take a sharp left hand turn towards a small marina. The parking lot for the historic site is on the left at the top of the hill.

STATE-OWNED HISTORIC SITES

For more information on the state-wide system of State Owned Historic Sites see the brochure: "Vermont: A Guide to Historic Sites" or write: Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Montpelier, Vermont 05609-1201.