The year is 1757, the colony of New York’s north country is a vast wilderness and the contested battle space of two great empires. From the St Lawrence River to the southern tip of Lake George, British, French and Native American forces clash over territorial claims. The setting for James Fenimore Cooper’s classic novel The Last of the Mohicans, Upstate New York is speckled with historic sites of national and global significance.

Historical Context

During the French and Indian War or Seven Years War  (1754-1763), Upstate New York was the site of various Native American settlements and colonial garrisons. Two rival great powers, the French and British Empires, disputed over the northern reaches of what is now New York and the New England states. As their historic rivalry escalated into a general conflict, Native American allies navigated the complex political landscape, and became influential actors in the war.

Accordingly, during the height of the conflict, French, British and Native American forces clashed in a series of campaigns and skirmishes along the frontier. Today, many of these historic sites remain visitable, providing an educational and scenic experience for all. Equally as exciting, many of these historic sites are close to fantastic local foodie experiences and ice cream shops!

Here are some ideas for tracing the history of the French and Indian War with a twist of dairy delight!

Historic Sites and Great Ice Cream

Oswego, NY

Bev’s Dairy Treat (Oswego, NY)

Look for the giant cone statue! Stop here for a great view of Lake Ontario. Take a photo in their giant Adirondack style chair. In Fall try their pumpkin flavored soft serve! Your toes can touch the water while you enjoy your special soft serve dessert.

Fort Oswego (Fort Ontario): Located on Lake Ontario, Fort Oswego was a strategic fortification. In 1756, the French captured the fort from the British, gaining control of a key position in the region. The Fort was later used during the Second World War by the U.S. Army, eventually serving as a refugee camp for survivors of the Holocaust. Today the historic site is maintained by the state of New York, with numerous events and living history reenactments held throughout the year.

Lake George, NY

Martha’s Dandee Cream (Queensbury, NY)

An ice cream gem! Dozens of soft serve flavors to choose from on a rotational basis (check their website). The serving sizes are large – and that’s great! The crowds will flock here in the summer, but the lines move quick. Pistachio, peanut butter, or coffee soft-serve are some of our personal favorites!

Fort William Henry: Located on the southern tip of Lake George, this fort is the climatic historical setting of James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans. The site of a major French siege in 1758, a recreated fortification exists today as an interactive museum in the heart of Lake George Village. A few blocks away is Lake George’s Battlefield Park, which offers a fantastic stroll with numerous historic markers.

Ticonderoga, NY

Fort Ticonderoga (Fort Carillon): One of the largest engagements of the French and Indian War, British commander, General Jefferey Amherst’s capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1759 was a pivotal moment in the war. The location of numerous engagements during the French and Indian War and American War for Independence, this historic site sitting above Lake Champlain is stunning. The privately operated museum is a leader in period research, with a crew of full-time historical interpreters dedicated to bringing the 18th Century to life. Plan a trip around one of the many historic living history events hosted throughout the year!  

Wind-Chill Factory (Ticonderoga, NY)

This is a Mexican-style grill and ice cream location! Wind-Chill Factory maintains a drive thru for to-go options. Food and ice cream is reasonably priced. If you’re not a soft serve person their ice cream sandwiches or slushies might do the trick!

Crown Point, NY and Addison, VT

Fort Crown Point (Fort St Frederic):  Approximately 15 mile north of Fort Ticonderoga, along the water’s of Lake Champlain, sits Fort Crown Point. Once the home of a French garrison (Fort St Frederic), Crown Point remained a British logistical node for much of the French and Indian War. Today, Vermont can be seen directly across the waterway, with the Lake Champlain Bridge an engineering marvel connecting the State’s of New York and Vermont. 

Chimney Point: Directly across the narrow straight of Lake Champlain is the Chimney Point Historic Site. A location utilized by Native American peoples for millennia and a 18th Century French settlement, today the historic site is a scenic park with picnic tables and worthwhile views. 

The Bridge Restaurant (Addison, VT): Located on the Vermont side of the Lake Champlain Bridge, this aptly named food stop is favorite stop to overlanders of all forms. Sit inside a quaint country style setting, or order to go. We really enjoyed tailgated in the parking lot and parks to enjoy the beautiful view. Thankfully, The Bridge Restaurant is operated year round, from Wednesdays to Sundays, breakfast thru dinner.

Fort Edward, NY

Roger’s Island: A training ground for famed Major Robert Roger’s irregular forces, within proximity to old Fort Edward. The historic site today offers a museum and visitors center. Seated on the Hudson River, Roger’s Island offers annual living history events and is considered the historic birthplace of the U.S. Army Rangers. 

Twin Scoops (Fort Edward, NY): Twin Scoops offers a variety of seasonal soft serve flavors and novelty sundaes. Their ice cream nachos and specialty ice cream sandwiches are a unique take. For hard serve, they offer nearly two dozen flavors to choose!

Enjoying the History and Ice Cream?

Check out our other itineraries and your next road trip!