America250

Our center for local commemoration of America's 250th Anniversary

On October 11th, 1776, the first American Navy led by Benedict Arnold gathered at Valcour Bay in what is now Clinton County to halt the British advance south. In the battle that followed the fleet was defeated, but their heroic effort succeeded in buying the patriots another year of planning, turning the tide in the War for Independence on the battlefields of Saratoga. The Clinton County Historical Association has taken the lead in the County's America250 Commemoration activities, organizing events and speakers sharing the history of America's founding and development.

All activities will be posted here and on the Battle of Valcour Website , along with histories relevant to our area before, during, and after the Revolution.

Upcoming Events

July 30, 2026
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6:00 pm
Echoes If We Listen
Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh

Echoes if we listen with Helen Nerska based on the newest CCHA Revolutionary War exhibit: Native, Women and Black Patriots in Focus. Discover how each group contributed to the cause with expectations that were not realized.

August 2, 2026
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9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday on the Island Tour - August 2026
Peru Boat Launch

Sunday on the Island - $30 per person. Register today! Tours of the lighthouse and a free Valcour Island trail guide.  Boats will leave the Peru Boat Launch every 20 minutes starting at 9:20 am until 1:00.  Last boat back is at 3:00 pm. Call 518-561-0340 to register.

Related Articles

February 11, 2026
Divers convene for historic Valcour Bay Research report

'Accident reconstruction 1776'

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February 5, 2026
Benedict Arnold and Making Sense of Treason

Examining the American Revolution hero, who evaded the British on Lake Champlain, but later betrayed the cause

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April 30, 2024
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Valcour Bay Research Project

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Valcour Bay Research Project (VBRP). The VBRP was an eight-year archaeological survey of the Valcour Bay lakebed, the site of the historic Battle of Valcour Island.

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December 28, 2020
Commemorating the Battle of Valcour Island

Heritage Corner discusses the Battle of Valcour

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