ORWELL — On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell will be commemorating the Mount’s finest American day during the Revolutionary War with a walk out to the horseshoe battery. “Go Home Guy Carleton” observes Oct. 28, 1776, 240 years ago, when the American’s defensive strength bristling with cannon and 12,000 soldiers here and across Lake Champlain at Fort Ticonderoga helped convince British Gen. Guy Carleton and his fleet to head back to Canada for the winter.
Gather at the museum by 1 p.m. for this walk, with commentary along the way. At the battery we will shake our fists and shout, “Go Home Guy Carleton.” Perhaps an artillery piece will be joining us. Wear sturdy boots and dress for the weather.
Carleton and his British fleet had been heading south on Lake Champlain after their naval battle of Valcour Island with Benedict Arnold and his new fleet on Oct. 11, 1776. With winter coming on and few supplies, the British returned to Canada, leaving Lake Champlain. This gave the Northern American Army time to plan for what would turn out to be an eventful 1777.
Mount Independence is located on Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersections of Routes 22A and 73 near Orwell village. Mount Independence, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War sites in America. Carefully follow the signs. Call 759-2412 for more information. For information on the Vermont State-Owned Historic Sites, visit: www.historicsites.vermont.gov.