It took an hour by bus for the Mettawee Community School fifth graders to travel back to the 18th Century. Their destination was Fort Ticonderoga situated on a bluff overlooking the southern end of Lake Champlain, where it also happens to be the site of America’s first victory in the Revolutionary War.
“We’ve been studying history, especially the War for Independence, in the weeks leading up to this field trip,” said Mettawee fifth grade teacher Mandy Thomas. “Books are wonderful, but the stories come alive when the kids can actually stand where events took place.”
While cannons, muskets, bayonets, and swords caught their attention, the time travelers were equally enthralled by the accouterments for soldiers of 250 years ago.
“These coats are heavy and itchy,” said one student, who tried on a uniform made by tailors who create period-piece clothing at the Fort so visitors feel the scratch and heft of authenticity. “If you step outside in the summer, you would burn up!”
“The bunks aren’t comfortable,” said another, who tried out the sleeping accommodations. “Can you believe that four or five soldiers were assigned to each bed?"
The kids marveled at the shoe maker who uses real tools from the period to demonstrate the craft of historical footwear. “They made shoes that could be used on either foot,” explained one student. “No left or right, just one pattern for a pair of shoes that would mold to your feet.”
Maybe it was the midday hour, but their stomachs may have explained their heightened interest in the camp kitchen. It featured a large stone oven for baking and an open fire pit. “I could smell the soup cooking in the pot over the fire,” said one boy. “It made me very hungry.”
The students also took regional pride in New England’s role in the Revolution.
“We captured Fort Ticonderoga without firing a single shot,” one student announced proudly. “And then we used the cannons and supplies to help fight other battles. Being here makes me excited about history.”
(Photo above: Mettawee fifth graders take in the view of Lake Champlain from the artillery battery at Fort Ticonderoga.)
Mettawee fifth graders learn about the living standards at a frontier fort in the 1700's.
The cobbler at Fort Ticonderoga demonstrates the art of shoemaking for 18th century soldiers for the Mettawee fifth graders.
Mettawee students discover coats worn by Revolutionary soldiers were "heavy and itchy."
The Mettawee students were shocked to learn 4 or 5 soldiers shared a bunk bed at Fort Ticonderoga.