Battle of Plattsburgh Bay
Macdonough's fleet was built none too soon as American General Alexander Macomb faced reinforced British forces gathering for a land invasion of Plattsburgh. On the morning of September 11, 1814, British Captain George Downie brought his warships around Cumberland Head to aid in the invasion and found Macdonough's warships already anchored upwind in the bay. The ensuing battle took place in close quarters which gave Macdonough's carronade-equipped vessels an advantage over the British ships' heavier guns.
The Battle lasted about two and a half hours and cost the lives of 143 men who were buried on nearby Crab Island. Its decisive outcome effectively ended the war.
Erected by Lake Champlain Historic Landings Heritage Trail, Lake Champlain Basin Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1889.
Location. 44°
this page online
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: Zephaniah Platt Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Chapel (approx. Ό mile away); First Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Moreau (approx. 0.3 miles away); Officers' Mess Plattsburgh Barracks (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Scott (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Brown (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plattsburgh.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2011, by Joe Harness of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,235 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 17, 2011, by Joe Harness of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
