With the outbreak of the American War for Independence, the British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga number something along the lines of about 50 men. Now, Fort Ticonderoga was of great strategic importance to the Patriots thanks to its location Lake Champlain. Thus, on May 10, 1775, the Green Mountain Boys, led by Colonels Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen advanced on the fort.
On the morning of the 10th, the Green Mountain Boys rowed across Lake Champlain, capturing the fort in a surprise attack. This was the first offensive victory of the American Patriots. And all without firing a single shot.
