The French constructed then Fort Carillon between 1755-1758, during the French and Indian War. The most important battle took place in 1758, when 16,000 British troops attacked, but were repulsed by 4,000 French troops. During the Revolutionary War (in 1777), British forces under General Burgoyne occupied nearby Fort Defiance and threatened the colonial army who had captured the fort in 1775 by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold (before his traitorous act).