Floating Gun Batteries Through the Ages

Floating Gun Batteries Through the Ages

Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 10 am–1 pm
Instructor: Joseph W. Zarzynski
RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists)

Floating gun batteries were sturdy vessels with heavy ordnance built to bombard enemy cities or military positions, as well as support amphibious assaults. One of the first floating gun batteries appeared in the mid-16th century, built by Spain against an Ottoman Empire stronghold in North Africa. Moreover, in the 16th century, the Koreans constructed “turtle ships,” that battled the Japanese. Arguably, the first floating gun battery in North America was the 1758 Land Tortoise radeau (French for raft), a 7-sided, 52 ft. long warship pierced for 7 cannons. The class instructor directed the team of u/w explorers that discovered the Land Tortoise in Lake George in 1990. Other types of floating gun batteries were deployed in the American Revolution (1775–1783), War of 1812 (1812–1815), and Civil War (1861–1865). Bring a jacket and hat.
[Class limited to 15 people.]

In 2025, the French & Indian War Society at Lake George, Inc. will sponsor four enrichment workshops to be held at Fort William Henry Museum (48 Canada St., Lake George, NY). The program also serves as a fund raiser for the not-for-profit organization. Classes are “in person” and at the moment, no Zoom. Participants receive a certificate of attendance. Cost per workshop: $30 (for a non-Society member) and $15 (for a Society member). No audio or video recording is permitted. Preregistration is required.

Registration Form at the Society’s web page at: https://www.frenchandindianwarsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025_Workshops_Soc.FWHupdated_2-10-25pdf.pdf

You may also like the following events from Fort William Henry:

• Next Wednesday, 11th June, 10:00 am, Lake George Music Festival Open Rehearsals in Lake George
• Next Friday, 13th June, 09:30 am, Father's Free at the Fort! in Lake George
• This month, 21st June, 09:30 am, Fort William Henry Tri-County Community Days in Lake George

Also check out other Workshops in Lake George.