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 Lake George,
New York is located in the foothills of the
Adirondacks, spans about 32 miles from its furthest
points and is
almost three miles wide. Much of the Lake George shoreline is
unsettled due to both federal and state
conservation efforts to keep the Adirondack waters
protected for generations to come. The Adirondack Mountains
surround Lake George and provide spectacular views
to all who visit. It is a truly remarkable area to
see while staying in our
bed
and breakfasts. Not only does Lake George
provide countless panoramic views, but it also has
roots in our American history.
Prior to settlers coming to Lake George, Native
Americans called this region home and used the lake
to hunt, fight, and navigate its clear waters. The first white settler
said to have stepped foot here was a Jesuit
missionary, Father Isaac Jogues. The lake was christened
by Jogues, "Lac du Saint Sacrement"
in 1646. It took another one hundred plus years
before it was renamed
Lake George, by Sir William Johnson in honor of
King George II.
Many important battles were fought in this
region, many lives lost, and heroes made.
The first battle in Lake George was
during the French and
Indian war. It was called the "Battle of Lake
George." There are many historic sites covering this
battle like Bloody Pond Marker. This is where 300
Canadians and Indians were nearly wiped out with over 200 bodies
that were rolled into
the water turning the pond red, and hence its name.
Also in Lake George is Fort William
Henry, made famous by James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the
Mohicans. The fort is on the southern shore of Lake
George and it was here
where
French and Indian allies attacked the Fort
in grossly outnumbered fashion. After
six days of brutal fighting, the fort finally surrendered
to the French. Under the terms of surrender, the
colonials were given safe passage of its occupants.
The fort was burned after, but the safe passage was
abandoned by the Indian allies. This massacre
resulted in many deaths to woman, children and
soldiers.
There are other historical forts and battle
sites nearby of interest, like Fort Ticonderoga, or
the Battle of Saratoga. For more information on
important battles and sites in and around Lake
George, click to view some of these sites below:
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