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Fort William Henry was a British fort at the southern end of Lake George, in the province of New York. The fort's construction was ordered by Sir William Johnson in September 1755, during the French and Indian War, as a staging ground for attacks against the French position at Fort St. Frédéric.

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Fort William Henry was a British fort at the southern end of Lake George, in the province of New York. The fort's construction was ordered by Sir William Johnson in September 1755, during the French and Indian War, as a staging ground for attacks against the French position at Fort St. Frédéric.

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I had the privilege of visiting Fort William Henry two days in a row. The first visit was for their Ghost Tour. We took our Corps members on the tour since they would be performing inside the fort the next day. The Ghost Tour was not how I’d envisioned, but it was very informative. Guides gave their own personal experiences with the spirits they’ve named as well as background/history of events and sightings from visitors and people of that area. They also turned the lights off in the Casemate for a few minutes. Unfortunately, no ghosts or spirits were captured on film during our visit but the Spirit Ball did go off during our tour and a few guides took video and photos for later reviewing. Unsure if anything was captured. *Due to topics and graphic information shared, I would not recommend for younger children.* My second visit was the next day for the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps performance. Since the fort was closed during the ghost tour, I was able to walk around the museum in between capturing photos and videos of our performances. It is very informative. Highly recommend fort history buffs! Beautiful displays of artifacts and views of Lake George. Mannequins are outdated, BUT tour guides are top notch! I did have a “ghost” or spirit encounter in the bunk room while taking photos of our group. Discussed with a tour guide later and was told “it happens all the time” and was told what I heard and saw was normal. Take that as you will, but I feel privileged that a spirit felt my presence was calming enough to feel they could be there with me. Definitely an experience I will never forget. Pricing for veterans is free. I am uncertain of what the cost for adults and children are since it didn’t apply to me.

Christina MillerChristina Miller
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The young man who worked as our guide did an excellent job interacting with the visitors and also explaining various facts regarding the fort and its history. He was not perturbed by little kids and their questions, proving his patience and humor, along with his knowledge at all times. "Ranger" PJ Anderson and the other gentleman he teamed up with were fantastic! PJ deserves big big big thumbs up for his resilience in the sun, first of all. His occasional British accent combined with the active dialogue he initiated with the guests, his jokes, the details of his story telling - all of these made for one of the most memorable experiences, not only in the Lake George area, but in general! As old school as it may sound, I wish that there was a tipping option for these employees, because they absolutely deserve it!!!!! So I hope that at least reviews like this will contribute to some appreciation from their employees.

RoxieRoxie
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History comes alive at Fort William Henry. It is a restored Colonial fortress of 1755-1757 French and Indian War era located at the strategic south end of Lake George, an important part of the water transportation system used by both Native Americans and the Europeans Visitors to the Fort have an opportunity to experience plenty of history: the long boiling tensions between global superpowers, the early days of a new nation and its impact on indigenous peoples, and the backdrop for one of American literature’s great novels. Visitors can experience this living museum with guided tours, historical interpreters, musket and cannon fire demonstrations, and self-guided tours. In the fall, the Fort hosts Haunted History Tours featuring guided tours of spooky spots at the Fort and some great ghost stories. If you are a history buff, this is a must-do for you.

Sanjay GuptaSanjay Gupta
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We had the best guided tour here. My husband commented that this was the best one we've been too and we have been to MANY forts! They gave a great presentation through the main fort, then we had another fantastic presentation in the yard with a musket demonstration. After, we all went to the roof for a cannon demonstration. My husband is a huge history buff and its hard to find facts he doesn't know. We both learned so much here! It was really fantastic. On our trip they had a presentation at night re enacting the British fleeing the French. Im not sure I would do that again as I am a big scaredy cat and wasn't prepared for this presentation. They did a great job, I just don't like to be scared lol. The end, after we "escaped" the fort, was another history lesson where we learned even more facts. I highly recommend this fort to young and old.

Dyanna ODyanna O
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Great historic place to visit. The fort is really cool for history buffs and gives you a very good view of Lake George. Been there several times now and have never really been disappointed. It is a replica but does have the original excavated fireplace and I guess some bricks and stone in the powder magazine? I wish they had talked more about which parts of the powder magazine had original bricks instead of one vague statement. I also think the price is a bit much. Overall it's still one of my favorite places in Lake George. The muskets and cannon displays are cool, a lot of the historic displays are neat although the mannequins are a little outdated and think they could use the space better. It's also pretty expensive for a fort that is 99.9 percent a replica.

Tim WelchTim Welch
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Did the ghost tour with my adult kids. Tour was blah. Too many people in the group and lots of noise pollution from the surrounding areas. Staff talked about a little history then went into telling stories about their own ghost experiences or what may have happened to prior guests. Few staff members could not get the full attention of the crowd. A lot of “um” and “uh”. Not very professional. IMO the ghost tour should not be for small children. With the staff telling gruesome stories of how some people died it’s definitely not for a 5 year old to hear. And do NOT bring your newborn baby on this tour. If you’re reading this you know who you are. Get a babysitter or stay home. Don’t be selfish and ruin it for everyone else.

Sean HamiltonSean Hamilton
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Overview

4.5(863 reviews)

Phone

(518) 668-5471

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Website

fwhmuseum.com

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Deep Dive

A deep dive into Fort William Henry Historical Fortress & Museum