South End in Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
The Battle of Plattsburgh Bay
11 September 1812
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 8, 2013
1. The Battle of Plattsburgh Bay Marker
During the War of 1812, the British again attempted to use Lake Champlain as an invasion route into the United States. Both American and British naval commands constructed large vessels in an effort to gain superiority for the impending battle. That date came on 11 September when a British fleet rounded Cumberland Head and engaged the anchored American line.
The bloody contest lasted for more than two hours. American Commodore Thomas MacDonough’s superior battle position and ability to turn his fleet at anchor and present a fresh broadside led to a decisive American victory.
When the British fleet surrendered, British land forces realized their efforts to invade the United States had failed and returned to Canada. The Treaty of Ghent negotiated a close to the war three months later.
“The defeat at Plattsburgh crippled the British advance and was the most decisive engagement of the war.”
Winston Churchill, British statesman
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1812.
Location. 44° 28.557′ N, 73° 13.295′ W. Marker is in Burlington, Vermont, in Chittenden County. It is in South End. Marker is on College Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker
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); The Battle of Valcour Island (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); 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.
Also see . . . Battle of Plattsburgh. Wikipedia entry. The naval action is also known as "The Battle of Lake Champlain". (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.
Photographed By Cdr Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell RN, 1814
3. The Battle of Plattsburgh Bay / Lake Champlain
"Macdonough's Victory on Lake Champlain", 1814 Watercolour by Cdr Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell RN, depicting the U.S. Sloop Saratoga (left center) and the U.S. Brig Eagle (right) engaging the British flagship Confiance (center) off Plattsburg, New York, 11 September 1814. Saratoga was flagship of the American commander, Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough. Courtesy of the Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
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 290 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on April 22, 2018, by T. Patton of Jefferson, Georgia. 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. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
