Plattsburgh in Clinton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The War of 1812
Photographed By Ellen Adams, August 23, 2017
1. The War of 1812 Marker
Inscription.
The War of 18 12. . Halsey's Corners. 250 American soldiers plus militia met 4,000 British troops in bloody battle here on Sept. 6, 1814.
Halsey's Corners. 250 American soldiers plus militia met 4,000 British troops in bloody battle here on Sept. 6, 1814.
Erected 2013 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 6, 1814.
Location. 44° 42.472′ N, 73° 28.159′ W. Marker is in Plattsburgh, New York, in Clinton County. Marker is at the intersection of Tom Miller Road and Halsey Court, on the right when traveling west on Tom Miller Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plattsburgh NY 12901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding The War of 1812. After engaging British troops at Beekmantown and Culver Hill, Major John
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E. Wool, commander of the New York 29th Regiment, was forced to retreat to Halsey's Corners. There the Americans once again faced British forces and once again retreated, this time across the Saranac River to General Alexander Macomb's defenses. However, the Americans inflicted heavy casualties, killing or wounding 240, making this the bloodiest single day of the Plattsburgh campaign.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, July 13, 2019
2. Halsey Corners
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, July 13, 2019
3. War Memorial
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, July 13, 2019
4. Halsey's Corners
Imagine yourself a volunteer militiaman in September 6, 1814.After marching since midnight with 250 men under Major John Wool, you encounter the right wing of the British invasion force at Beekmantown. Their 4,000 soldiers force you to retreat under intense fire. You help form a new defensive line at Halsey’s Corners. Two 3-pound cannons are brought up by Captain Leonard, and ranks are closed to conceal them from the British.
You watch the approach of orderly ranks of British soldiers filling the road. As they come within range, American soldiers masking the cannon suddenly step aside. The cannons boom belching fire and smoke. Round shot hits the center of the front troop platoon chest high, sweeping the entire length. British ranks close and continue marching. A second shot has the same effect. A spray of grape shot from the cannons create momentary confusion. Then British bugles sound a spirited “Charge!” Knapsacks are tossed aside and their soldiers advance quickly with weapons raised. Your fire cannot stem their overwhelming numbers.
Wool orders a retreat to relative safety in forts south of the Saranac River. Under severe fire, you help pull up bridge planks as you cross the river to prevent the British from crossing.
The Aftermath
The British report the greatest single day’s loss of the five day seige of Plattsburgh.: 240 killed or wounded. American losses were 45 killed or wounded, many while removing bridge planks over the Saranac. Heavy losses help persuade British commander George Prevost to await naval support before a final assault on Plattsburgh.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2017, by Ellen Adams of Plattsburgh, New York. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on August 23, 2017, by Ellen Adams of Plattsburgh, New York. 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 4. submitted on July 19, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.