South End in Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
The Battle of Valcour Island
11-13 October 1776
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 8, 2013
1. The Battle of Valcour Island Marker
11-13 October 1776
In the fall of 1776 a British Naval force left Canada and embarked onto Lake Champlain in an effort to divide and conquer the rebelling thirteen colonies. Positioned off Valcour Island was a fleet of gunboats under the command of Benedict Arnold. On the morning of 11 October the two fleets began what became an intensive three-day engagement fought over more than 30 miles of Lake Champlain. At the end of the third day, the British had gained control of the strategic waterway, but with the season advancing they were forced to return to Canada for the winter. This action had a profound impact on the outcome of the Revolutionary War and winning American independence.
“The little American navy on Champlain was wiped out, but never had any force, big or small, lived to better purpose or died more gloriously, for it had saved the lake for the year.”
“That the Americans were strong enough to impose the capitulation of Saratoga was due to the year of delay secured to them by their little navy on Lake Champlain.”
Alfred Thayer Mahan, naval historian
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 44° 28.557′ N, 73°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lone Sailor (here, next to this marker); George Dewey, Admiral of the Navy, U.S.N. (here, next to this marker); Honor and Tradition (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Plattsburgh Bay (here, next to this marker); Lake Champlain Navy Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Celebrating Champlain (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quadricentennial Celebration (about 600 feet away); Vermont / Steamer "Vermont" (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlington.
More about this marker. The marker is loacted in the Lake Champlain Naval Memorial park.
Also see . . . Battle of Valcour Island. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 17, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 8, 2013
2. Lake Champlain Naval Memorial
The marker overlooks the lake, out of sight to the left.
from "Journal of the American Revolution", unknown
3. The Battle of Valcour Island
"The Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, October 11, 1776". Oil painting by V. Zveg.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on April 17, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
