Plattsburgh in Clinton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Church
in Clinton County, organized 1797
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2024
1. First Church Marker
Church begun 1812, used by British in September 6-11, 1814 siege of Plattsburgh. Remodeled 1866, burned 1867. This building completed in 1873.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.
Location. 44° 41.831′ N, 73° 27.265′ W. Marker is in Plattsburgh, New York, in Clinton County. It is at the intersection of Brinkerhoff Street and Marion Street, on the left when traveling east on Brinkerhoff Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, on the right side of the south/front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 34 Brinkerhoff Street, 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 the North Atlantic Region, 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 walking distance of this marker: First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh (a few steps from this marker); Strand Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); To Commemorate Macdonough's Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); British Hospital (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Regarding First Church. National Register of Historic Places № 82001104.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Julia Robinson, 1/1981:
The church was founded Oct. 1, 1797, with Rev. Frederick Halsey as minister. On June 17, 1868, a new cornerstone was laid. The Building Committee was made up of important local businessmen: E.S. Winslow, J.H. Myers and C.E.M. Edwards. The bell in the tower was made by Meneely & Sons, Troy, N.Y., and the clock comes from Howard & Co., Boston.The plan of the church is somewhat unusual with transept crossing just behind the front tower and side aisle portals. The tower is particularly tall; it is a visually dominant mass amidst the three- and four-story commercial blocks in the vicinity of the church. The structure survives virtually intact. Gothic apertures, buttresses, and a nave flanked by aisles distinguish the ecclesiastical
building. The modest, gabled planks with clocks on each side of the bell tower are somewhat unusual. A modern wing incorporates Gothic openings. With its monumental massing, Gothic details, and Victorian, multicolored roof forms, the church stands out a key visual element among the structures of downtown Plattsburgh. Architect: Frederick W. Brown, Albany. Mason and plasterer: H. Dowling. Carpenters: B.W. Haynes, J. Bently. Fine Woodwork: Dandrow & Hagar. Stained glass: G. Morgan & Bros., N.Y. Decorative lettering: F.H. Cramer.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 20242. First Church MarkerThe marker is mounted on the right side of the south/front entrance.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh
Also see . . . First Presbyterian Church (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: It was originally built between 1812 and 1816; after a fire destroyed the structure in 1867, it was rebuilt in the same location between 1868 and 1873. It is a rectangular limestone Gothic Revival style church. It has a slate gable roof and buttresses. It features arched openings and a central square bell tower with tall spire and embedded clocks on each side. The congregation officially formed in 1797, after having met since at least 1792. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.(Submitted on March 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2024
3. First Presbyterian Church
(south/front elevation)
(south/front elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2024
4. First Presbyterian Church (southwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 219 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
