Note: This letterbox is reported missing - July 2001

Fort William Henry was built by the English in 1755. It was intended to protect the portage between the southern end of Lake George and the Hudson River from incursions by the French.

The Marquis of Montcalm moved south from Fort Carillon (Ticonderoga) in August, 1757, and laid siege to the fort with vastly superior numbers. After Lt. Colonel Munro failed to receive help from Colonel Webb at nearby Fort Edward, he surrendered to Montcalm. The fort was burned, and the retreating English were massacred by the Hurons allied to the French.

Click for more history and photos of Fort William Henry. 

The siege of Fort William Henry was chronicled by James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans.
 

Hider:   Tom Cooch 
Clues:   Easy 
Terrain: Easy 
Hidden:  07/21/00
 

DIRECTIONS

Take Exit 22 from I-87 and follow the signs to the village of Lake George. The restored fort is on your right at the southern end of the village. 

From Rutland, Vermont, take US Rte 4 west to Fort Ann, then NY Rte 149 west to Glen Falls, and US Rte 9 north to Lake George.

From Burlington, Vermont, take US Rte 7 south to Rutland, and proceed as above.

Click here for a map.
 

CLUES

Cora Munro is looking for her new love Nathanial on the ramparts of Fort William Henry. Montcalm's siege is in its fourth day and the fort must soon fall if reinforcements do not arrive. Colonel Webb is at nearby Fort Edward and his troops could save the day if a messenger can get through and inform him of the siege. 

Some of the colonial militia are there on the northwest bastion. British soldiers are firing a cannon at 30º towards the French troops near the shore, while the Americans contribute musket fire.

'William! Have you seen Nathanial?'

'Why, haven't you heard, Miss Munro? The colonel, your father, has had him arrested for treason.'

'Treason! That's not possible. He knows that Nathanial just saved my sister and me from a Huron raid. We owe him our lives'

'Yes, Miss. But though Hawkeye has stayed on here himself, he also encouraged some of our boys to slip away and return to defend their families along the frontier. That's treason, according to your father, and he means to hang Nathanial in the morning.'

'Where is he, William?'

'In Number 8, Miss.'

Cora rushes in the opposite direction from the cannon, down and down again till she finds her love. She clutches his hands through the bars.

'Nathanial. Is it possible my father means to hang you?'

'He means to, Cora, but I may yet escape. Listen, if the fort falls, stay with the officers. Be strong, no matter what happens. Stay alive!  If I escape, I will find you!

Meanwhile, I have made something for you to remember me by. I've hidden it with the remains of my dinner.'

Searching, you find a primitive container holding Natty Bumpo's touching momento.'
 

NOTES

There is a $10 admission charge to the fort (less for children, students, and seniors).

All bearings are magnetic. 

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.
 

This letterbox is #15 placed by The Orient Express.