May 31, 2025
Fort Ticonderoga is proud to announce the historic gift off our Spanish cannon and two mortars from Yale University Art Gallery, securing these significant pieces in Fort Ticonderoga’s world-renowned artillery collection. The artillery, which has been on long-term loan from Yale since1943, has been enjoyed by millions of visitors over the past eight decades. The striking green patina on these bronze artillery pieces is an iconic and instantly recognizable feature on Fort Ticonderoga’s storied landscape.
These new additions to Fort Ticonderoga are in the spotlight this May, which is dedicated to National Preservation Month and celebrates the nation's heritage through historic places. These formidable artillery pieces represent some of the most powerful weaponry used by the Spanish Army in the early 18th century. Castin bronze during the reign of King Philip V, these elaborate guns feature intricate inscriptions, elaborate reliefs, and distinctive design elements that stood out, even in the period. Among them are two massive 24-pounder cannon, each weighing over 3 tons—one cast in Barcelona in 1718 and the other in Seville in 1732. They both bear the Latin phrase "Violati Fulmina Regis"—"the offended King’s thunderbolts"—a dramatic motto unique to Spanish artillery. Two 16-pounder cannon, cast in Barcelona in1719, feature similar markings. One was mounted in Havana, Cuba, by 1859 and may have been used during the British siege of the city in 1762. The two 13-pulgadamortars, cast in Barcelona in 1724, each weigh over two and a half tons! With a bore measuring over a foot across they represent the most powerful siege guns of their time.
Originally donated to Yale in 1928 by de Lancey Kountze, the artillery was transferred to Fort Ticonderoga in 1943 on an indefinite loan at the suggestion of Kountze and with the approval of Yale’s Governing Board. Kountze, a Yale graduate and veteran of World War I, was a longtime supporter of history museums donating artifacts to many New York and Connecticut institutions. Kountze also served as a Patron of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum until his death in 1946.
“All of us at Yale feel it is appropriate for these objects to live where they will be seen, understood, and appreciated, and we believe their donor would heartily agree, a century after his generous gift,” said Dr. Laurence Kanter, Chief Curator and Lionel Gold frank III Curator of European Art at Yale University Art Gallery.
“We are thrilled to formally add these Spanish artillery pieces to our permanent collection,” said Dr. Matthew Keagle, Fort Ticonderoga Curator. “For more than 80 years, they have been central to the experience of visiting Ticonderoga. Today, they remind us of the interconnectedness of the vast 18th century Atlantic world, and the conflicts that continue to shape our own times. We are deeply grateful to Yale for entrusting us with their long-term preservation and interpretation.”
This landmark gift continues a legacy of collaboration between Yale and Fort Ticonderoga, ensuring that these artifacts remain accessible to the public and incorporated into the site’s robust educational programs. The addition of these cannons and mortars strengthens Fort Ticonderoga’s mission to bring history to life through immersive experiences, exhibitions, and hands-on learning opportunities.
