Chronicles of Lake George: Journeys in War and Peace

As he did in Chronicle of Lake Champlain, Russell Bellico presents the history of Lake George in selections from letters, journals and publications of those who have sojourned on the lake from the 18^th to the early 20^th century.  As a natural water highway in the early 18^th century, Lake George was immersed in the political and military struggle for control of North America, first pitting the British against the French and their Native American allies and then the Americans against the British.  This history comes alive in the words of eyewitnesses: travelers and adventurers, soldiers and military prisoners, officials, early 1800s tourists and late 19^th century resort guests.  Bellico introduces each except by giving the historical context.

“Like time travelers, the chroniclers of Lake George have viewed the lake during different epochs.  From explorers aboard bateaux who observed virgin forests to vacationers perusing elegant hotels from the decks of steamboats; from soldiers who manned radeaux and armed sloops to today’s boatsmen on high-powered craft; from troops shocked by deafening artillery explosions during the 1757 siege at Fort William Henry to tourists who blithely watch radiant bursts of fireworks along the replica of the fort – all of these visitors have formed indelible images of Lake George.”  — from the Introduction