Plattsburgh in Clinton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Plattsburgh Bay
Photographed By Joe Harness, July 17, 2011
1. Battle of Plattsburgh Bay Marker
Inscription.
Battle of Plattsburgh Bay. . Throughout the War of 18 12, British forces targeted Lake Champlain as an invasion route. United States Navy Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough was able to confine them in the Richelieu River of Quebec throughout the summer of 1813. American shipbuilders spent the following winter, spring and summer feverishly building a United States Naval war fleet in Vergennes, Vermont.
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.
Throughout the War of 1812, British forces targeted Lake Champlain as an invasion route. United States Navy Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough was able to confine them in the Richelieu River of Quebec throughout the summer of 1813. American shipbuilders spent the following winter, spring and summer feverishly building a United States Naval war fleet in Vergennes, Vermont.
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°
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41.615′ N, 73° 26.755′ W. Marker is in Plattsburgh, New York, in Clinton County. Marker can be reached from Hamilton Street close to Club Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plattsburgh NY 12901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 898 times since then and 23 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.
