May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, with about 80 men, attack Fort Ticonderoga capturing the British soldiers and the artillery housed there. The fort controls the north/south route between Albany and Montreal over lakes Champlain and George. While this victory meant control of a strong, strategic fort, the more important significance of this victory would not be recognized until nearly a year later.

After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the militias, and later the Continental Army, surrounded Boston in an effort to contain the British military. General Washington directed General Henry Knox to retrieve the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga at whatever expense it took. Late in January, Knox returned with the cannon and plans were made to reinforce Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.

During the night of March 5, 1776, Dorchester Heights was fortified with prebuilt chandeliers and fascines and the cannons brought 200 miles in the dead of winter from Fort Ticonderoga. On March 6, 1776, six years after the Boston massacre, the British awakened to find the Continental Army holding a commanding position over Boston. The British were forced to abandon Boston marking a major victory on the Road to Independence.

All because a few men succeeded in their fight for Freedom.