Whitehall in Washington County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Whitehall
Gateway to the NYS Canal System
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 16, 2015
1. Whitehall Marker
Philip Skene founded Whitehall, originally known as Skenesborough, in 1759. He was lured here by the availability of hydropower for mills provided by the falls on Wood Creek.
The magic word for Skenesborough’s existence is transportation, due to its location on the great Champlain – Hudson route. As early as 1796 recommendations were made for a canal to connect Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. In 1823 the canal route was completed to Waterford. This waterway, the Champlain Canal, eliminated the five-mile land transfer between Fort Edward and Wood Creek, making it possible to transport produce and manufactured goods directly to Albany and New York City.
The Champlain Canal, along with the legendary Erie, brought great prosperity to New York State by significantly reducing the time and cost to transport people and goods. As a result of the Champlain Canal, industries and businesses sprang up and flourished in Whitehall. The row of native brick buildings that housed many if these businesses still faces the canal. These buildings are now on the National Historic Register.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 43° 33.199′ N, 73° 24.146′ W. Marker is in Whitehall, New York, in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lakes to Locks Passage (a few steps from this marker); Skenesborough Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the United States Navy (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Ticonderoga (within shouting distance of this marker); The Champlain Canal (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Birthplace of the United States Navy (about 600 feet away); World War Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitehall.
More about this marker. A photograph of Whitehall and the Champlain Canal during its heyday appears on the left side of the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 16, 2015
2. Whitehall Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 16, 2015
3. Champlain Canal
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 337 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
