Robert Rogers subject of upcoming Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance program

Martin Klotz, author of “Robert Rogers, Ranger: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon,” will discuss the subject of his highly acclaimed book on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Holiday Inn Resort, 2223 Canada Street, Lake George. Klotz’s presentation begins at 11 a.m.

Historian Bruce Venter, Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance Trustee and author of “The Battle of Hubbardton,” says he has found Martin Klotz’s investigation of Rogers refreshing.

Robert Rogers has become a larger-than-life figure, venerated for his bravery, boldness and unconventional thinking. However, the romanticized version of Rogers overlooks his braggadocious nature, poor judgment and multiple vices.

“Heretofore, most Robert Rogers biographers have slavishly worshipped his exploits without an objective eye,” says Venter. “Many failed to see him as a fraudster, among other things. Klotz’s new book is a fresh look at the ranger commander who initiated many less-than-stellar operations during his career. Those who, like me, are fascinated by the personalities who loomed so large in our region during the Colonial Wars will want to hear Klotz’s analysis of this important historical figure.”

Klotz’s presentation, which kicks off the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance’s 2025 series of public programs, is free and open to the public. Copies of his book will be available for sale and signature. Those wishing to attend may reserve a seat by contacting the Alliance at info@lakegeorgebattlefield.org.

Martin Klotz is a graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School who enjoyed a career as a prosecutor and attorney in private practice. “Robert Rogers, Ranger” is his first published work on American Colonial history, a topic that has held a lifelong fascination for him.

Featured image: “The Meeting of Pontiac and his embassy with Major Rogers and his troops” (1830). Prints, Drawings and Watercolors from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.