TICONDEROGA -- The conflict that defined the United States will be re-enacted at Fort Ticonderoga as the site's annual Revolutionary War Encampment begins Friday, Sept. 5.

Nearly 500 re-enactors will be encamped for the three days, living as if they were in the 18th century, said fort Marketing Director Marci Hall.

Soldiers from British, German, Continental and Native American forces will be preparing for battles that take place at 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The fort changed hands three times between 1775 and 1777, beginning with its capture by Ethan Allen, the Green Mountain Boys and Benedict Arnold. It finally ended up with the British, who abandoned it after Saratoga fell in 1777.

Camp life was very different depending on whether one was an officer in the British Army or a Colonial farmer who had volunteered to fight. Marquis tents with oriental rugs whose occupants are dressed in embroidered finery are juxtaposed with humble tents and homespun clothing of the local militias.

Many of the re-enactors are accompanied by their families, and visitors to the site will be able to interact with them. All the tasks of cooking, sewing and washing will be demonstrated, as well as military chores of cleaning artillery and regimental drilling. Natives will be demonstrating crafts, children will be playing traditional games and early music will be played.

Along with the fighting forces, many tradespeople will be selling 18th-century wares from yard goods to tinware, jewelry and more.