THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Fort Ticonderoga is one of New York's best-known haunted historic forts. Visitors have reported apparitions of soldiers, phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and mysterious lights throughout the grounds. Many believe spirits from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War still remain at the fort.
Originally the French military Fort Carillon 1755-1759 during the Seven Years War, Fort Ticonderoga was active during the American Revolution. It was the site where Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys gained their first victory. The fort became the property of the state of New York in 1785 and was eventually sold to become a tourist attraction in the 1800s. It was restored in 1909 and is open for tours and available for events. Legend has it that Nancy Coates, the mistress of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, haunts the fort. She drowned herself in Lake Champlain when she thought the general had left her for another woman. Her apparition has been seen running or floating in the water, and her sobbing has been heard as well. Red orbs and the ghost of a British soldier have been seen as well. The soldier looks out the upper window of the south barracks. The Pavilion is believed to be haunted by Sarah Pell, who stares out the window that overlooks the King’s Garden.