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Before the Revolutionary War, most colonists and Europeans were subjects, ruled by a king or queen. Americans eventually formed their own government run by citizens, but it took a grueling struggle. A person’s experience with the military service varied based on their location, culture, and politics. And the ways that service evolved during the war influenced how people look at military service even today.
Many of the artifacts to be displayed come from the Fort Ticonderoga’s recently-acquired Robert Nittolo Collection, the most significant private collection of 18th century militaria in North America.
Select artifacts in the “A Revolutionary Anthology: Subject, Citizens, Service” collection include:
- Boston Company of Cadets Coat: The oldest surviving American-made military coat in existence.
- Hessen-Hanau Rifle: Rifle carried by Hessian troops while serving at Fort Ticonderoga. From the Robert Nittolo Collection.
- First Edition of Baron Steuben's Regulations: The very first American Army drill manual.
- First Edition of Mercy Otis Warren's History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution: First-ever history of the American Revolution authored by a woman.
- French Officer’s Coat: The only surviving uniform that may have witnessed the siege of Yorktown. From the Robert Nittolo Collection.
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