Plattsburgh in Clinton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Gift for a Hero

Photographed by Robert Rusaw, July 12, 2021

1. A Gift for a Hero Marker

Inscription. This was the scene in Cumberland Bay on September 11, 1814. An American Fleet under the command of U. S. Navy Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough defeated the British and changed the course of history. Macdonough anchored his fleet and awaited the British. At a critical point in the battle, Macdonough turned his flagship Saratoga around so that it's undamaged side faced the British flagship Confiance, and hammered it with cannon fire until the British surrendered. The defeated British naval and ground forces retreated north, and the War of 1812 was effectively ended. Were it not for this victory, the Lake Champlain Basin and northern lands might have become part of Canada. American across the country celebrated the victory with great bonfires and fireworks. Congress struck a gold medal in Macdonough's honor. New York and Vermont presented land to the commander including a gift of this 200-acre site, conserved as the Macdonough farm for five generations.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1814.

Location. 44° 42.234′ N,

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73° 24.062′ W. Marker is in Plattsburgh, New York, in Clinton County. It is on Cumberland Head Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 580 Cumberland Head Road, Plattsburgh NY 12901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Adirondacks & North Country,

and in the Champlain Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Macdonough Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Addoms (approx. 0.7 miles away); Addoms - Hagar Burial Ground (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fort Izard (approx. 0.9 miles away); Woolsey Mansion (approx. 0.9 miles away); First Blockhouse and Government Center (approx. 2.2 miles away); Plattsburg Bay

Photographed by Robert Rusaw, July 12, 2021

2. A Gift for a Hero Marker

(approx. 2.3 miles away); Samuel Champlain (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plattsburgh.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Champy (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. This page has been viewed 418 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2021, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.