Battle Plan for the Battle of Valcour Reenactment

Every September, many residents of Clinton County revisit the Battle of Plattsburgh, a pivotal American victory in the War of 1812. Next month, the community will also turn back the clock to an earlier battle in another war, a fight historians say helped shape the history of America: the Battle of Valcour Island.

A full-scale commemoration will mark its 250th anniversary.

The Battle of Valcour was arguably the most significant naval battle of the American Revolution. The engagement took place on October 11, 1776, on Lake Champlain. To commemorate this crucial naval clash, a fully narrated reenactment will be performed for the public.

Our Community Contributor Ryan Lee discusses the upcoming events with Geri Favreau, President of the Clinton County Historical Association and Museum.

Geri Favreau says she would like to thank all the historians who have taught her so much about this important time in the history of both the North Country and the nation: Ed Scollon, John Krueger, Craig Russell, Roger Harwood, Art Cohn, and so many others.

To learn more about the battle reenactment and the full weekend of events on October 9th through the 11th, visit clintoncountyhistorical.org.

The Clinton County Historical Association recognized last year that there was no book written about the American Revolution at a 4th- and 5th-grade reading level that focused on the Champlain Valley. So, the Association decided to create one: The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley from A to Z – Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary 1776–2026.

Geri Favreau approached Anne Bailey and Jacqueline Stewart, retired educators, to identify appropriate topics for each letter of the alphabet. Many others reviewed and edited the subjects. Anja Bouchard of the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System designed the book, including adding all the activities. George “Speedy” Arnold, a descendant of Benedict Arnold, provided the sketches for the covers.

The Association would like to thank all the generous sponsors. The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Stewart’s Shops, and a private donor enabled the Association to put a copy in the hands of every 4th- and 5th-grade student in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties. Assemblyman Michael Cashman’s office helped deliver the books to the schools. Anne Bailey and Geri Favreau personally delivered them to all the schools in Clinton and Essex Counties, as well as some in Franklin County.

Copies of the book are free and available at the Clinton County Historical Association Museum, located at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh, New York, on the Old Base Museum Campus.

A new documentary, Fire on the Water: The Battle of Valcour Island, will take viewers beyond the familiar facts of the 1776 battle and explore why the story continues to matter to the people and communities around Lake Champlain.

The program will feature interviews with area historians, providing context and perspective on the battle and its significance. From there, the documentary will turn to the present day, looking at how Clinton County is commemorating the anniversary this year, including coverage of the Valcour Island reenactment weekend.

The story will also return to the lake itself, where remnants of the battle remain beneath the water.

Fire on the Water is being produced for the Clinton County Historical Association, which hired producer Paul Frederick for the project. Frederick is also serving as the writer, director, videographer, and editor of the show.

A release date for the program is yet to be determined.