New North End in Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
The Black Snake Affair
Photographed by Kevin Craft, September 30, 2016
1. The Black Snake Affair Marker
In 1808, the Federal government, reacting to unfair British policies, passed an Embargo Act, forbidding trade with Great Britain. The Champlain Valley relied on trade with British Canada and the Act was unpopular and significant smuggling developed. The Black Snake was the most notorious smuggling vessel of its day.
In August, 1808, the Black Snake was in the Winooski River to load potash for Canada. The Revenue Cutter Fly seized the Black Snake and, in the confrontation, the Black Snake crew killed three men. The smugglers were tried for murder and three men were sentenced to be hung but only Cyrus Dean was executed. On November 11th, with 10,000 people present in Burlington, he was "swung off".
Erected 2008 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1808.
Location. 44° 30.448′ N, 73° 13.708′ W. Marker is in Burlington, Vermont, in Chittenden County. It is in New North End. It can be reached from Ethan Allen Honestead. Marker is located on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ethan Allen Park - Wilderness in the City (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ethan Allen (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pate-King House / Guidebooks for Black Americans (approx. 1.6 miles away); In Memory of John Lonergan (approx. 1.8 miles away); Saint-Joseph Parish (approx. 1.8 miles away); Athletic Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); Champlain Glass Company (approx. 1.8 miles away); Trees for the 21st Century (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Chief Grey Lock (was approx. 1.8 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Then Again: Black Snake Affair was among Vermonts most shocking events. VT Digger website entry (Submitted on December 6, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Kevin Craft, September 30, 2016
2. Wideview of The Black Snake Affair Marker
Photographed by Kevin Craft, September 30, 2016
3. Another The Black Snake Affair Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2016, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 1,552 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2016, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec.
