The 1777 Siege of Fort Ticonderoga occurs between July 2 and 6, 1777 at Fort Ticonderoga, near the southern end of Lake Champlain in the state of New York.

Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's eight thousand-man army occupies high ground above the fort, and nearly surrounds the defenses.

These movements precipitate the occupying Continental Army, an under-strength force of three thousand under the command of General Arthur St. Clair, to withdraw from Ticonderoga and the surrounding defenses.

Some gunfire is exchanged, and there sre some casualties, but there is no formal siege and no pitched battle.

Burgoyne's army occupies Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, the extensive fortifications on the Vermont side of the lake, without opposition on July 6.

Advance units pursue the retreating Americans.

The uncontested surrender of Ticonderoga causes an uproar in the American public and in its military circles, as Ticonderoga is widely believed to be virtually impregnable, and a vital point of defense.

General St. Clair and his superior, General Philip Schuyler, are vilified by Congress.

Both are eventually exonerated in courts martial, but their careers are adversely affected.

Schuyler has already lost his command to Horatio Gates by the time of the court martial, and St. Clair will hold no more field commands for the remainder of the war.