This website provides complete and detailed information on Fort Ticonderoga’s 2008 Grand Encampment (Battle of Carillon). If you are planning to participate in the event, please explore the site fully and read carefully. The purpose of this section is to respond to rumors with factual information and clarify points of confusion.

What is the Fort’s policy on carrying loose cartridges and powder?

Loose powder may not be carried on the battlefield in horns, priming horns, or any other container. Although powder horns and flasks may be carried, they must remain empty and may not be used.

Powder may only be carried in pre-made paper cartridges of proper pattern and construction.

Cartridges may not be carried loose in bags, in pockets, or anywhere on one's person. Cartridges may only be carried in an approved leather cartridge box with a wooden block or in metal storage containers for extra rounds.

Native interpreters may use a non-finger-woven bag (preferably leather) with a leather flap closure and a wooden block. The block should fit securely in the bag with a leather flap attached to the block to keep the cartridges covered and in place. We recognize that this may not be historically accurate for your portrayal, but in this matter, safety takes precedence over authenticity.

Standard practice will be to carry extra rounds "baked potato" style when necessary, that is, packaged in foil wrappers (10 or so to a package) or in metal storage containers (foil is preferable as there is no shrapnel if ignited) and carried in a haversack. When you need to replenish your block, step off to the side and do so.

Will the Fort supply participants with powder?

No. Participants must provide their own powder.

How many cartridges will participants need for the event?

Participants should provide themselves with at least 100 blank cartridges and four fresh flints per day. The purpose of this is to make sure that Saturday’s and Sunday’s battles (each 90 minutes long) do not fizzle out at the climactic moment because units ran out of ammo. Remember, we will be recreating the Battle of Carillon, one of the longest and hottest engagements of the French and Indian War. The original battle lasted six hours.

I heard that New York State is enacting a law requiring black powder weapons to be licensed. What’s the latest word on this?

Having been informed of the negative impact such legislation would have on living history groups, historic sites and museums, the legislator who introduced the legislation has modified the bill. He was not aware of the harm this bill would do if enacted and it was not his intention to harm any group, or the state’s efforts to promote heritage tourism. The section of the bill that would require registration of “antique firearms,” including the reproductions used in living history, has been deleted.

Is the event restricted to “original units,” that is, units that took part in the original battle?

No. Fort Ticonderoga’s invitation list includes groups that served throughout North America during the French and Indian War (1754-1764). The Fort’s invitation list is lengthy and includes (we hope) every French and Indian War unit with a solid reputation for safety and authenticity. Despite the fact that native groups and artillery units, for example, did not play a major role in the Battle of Carillon, such groups have been invited to this event and are encouraged to attend. (Our battle narrator will deal with the “what if” aspect of this.)

Does the Fort have a “rain plan?”

Yes. If the ground is dry, visitor parking, the British camp, and Sutler Row will be located in the North Field (large flat field along the back road). If the months of May and June turn out to be as rainy as they were in 2006, these areas will be located on drier ground. In either case, participants will be instructed upon arrival where they are to unload their vehicles and where they are to park.

Will there be ongoing skirmishing at either the original or new French Lines?

No. Firing is restricted to the afternoon reenactments. At other times during the day, visitors will be using the footpath that runs through the new lines. Visitors may tour the original French Lines anytime during the Fort’s open hours (daily 9-5).

I heard that unit commanders have to issue each unit member an ID card for the event. Is this true?

Yes. Every participant—man, woman or child—must be provided by their unit commander with some kind of identification card that includes (1) their name, (2) the name of their unit, and (3) their unit commander’s name. The cards may be elaborate or simple, permanent or temporary, but they should not look like they were cobbled-up at the last minute. Each participant must carry their card with them at all times and be prepared to show it when questioned. The purpose of this is to prevent uninvited, unattached and unsafe individuals from participating in the event.

Do not listen to rumors. Get the facts. If you have questions, check this website or contact the event coordinator (Karl Crannell) at the Fort. If a rumor is going round, let us know about it! Email: karl@fort-ticonderoga.org. Phone: (518) 585-2821.