19th century Ti — Independence Day 1879

Organizers predicted it would be the best fourth, not just in northern New York, but also in Vermont.

“At sunrise on the morning of July 4th there will be a salute of one hundred guns at Larrabee’s Point,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on June 6, 1879. “Preparations are being made on an expansive scale for the largest celebration of the nation’s birth than ever before in the history of northern New York and Vermont.”

Activities would be held at Larabee’s Point, on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, and at Fort Ticonderoga, on the New York side.

Other activities at Larrabee’s Point would include speeches, a greased pig race, a hot air balloon launch, harness racing, and fireworks at Larrabee’s Point.

“Prof. Chas. Fisher, the most daring aeronaut in the world, will give a series of gymnastics performances on a single trapeze bar while the mammoth air ship is in ascension,” the Sentinel reported on June 13.

“The celebrated White Cloud, of Troy, is entered in the open race at Larabee’s Point. Has a record of 2:25,” the Sentinel reported on June 27.

“J. M. Wood and Ellen Doe, the celebrated trotters owned in Ticonderoga that can trot away down in the 20s are entered for one of the races at Larrabee’s Point July 4th. Each has won one race over the other, which will make the coming race of unusual interest as both have a host of friends in town.”

Athletic events would be held at Fort Ticonderoga, and in the evening, proprietor James McCabe would hold an invitational gala ball on the grounds of the Fort House hotel, which would be illuminated with Japanese lanterns.

“A dancing floor will be laid on the beautiful grove fronting the house, size, 80 x 80 feet, and will accommodate a hundred couples or more. Seats will surround the entire floor, and everything will be in first-class order for the occasion.”

The six-piece Wells Orchestra would perform.

If it rained, the ball would be held in the hotel dining hall.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 people were expected at Larrabee’s Point.

“Port Henry will send a large delegation to Larrabee’s Point July 4th.”

As many as 4,000 people, including about 2,000 from Whitehall, were expected at Fort Ticonderoga.

Lake Champlain steamboats offered half-priced fares for the day.

Liveries were booked in advance.

“Every available spare vehicle in town, from a broken wheelbarrow to a $500 carriage has been secured for the glorious Forth. Consequently, we shall be obligated to foot it,” the Sentinel quipped on June 27.

Click here to read the most recent previous 19th century Ti post.