Clinton County Historical Association
Article by Luca Gross
PLATTSBURGH — Hundreds gathered at City Beach to commemorate the Battle of Valcour Island 250 years later.
Organized by the Clinton County America 250 Committee and the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution the event, Sunday, honored the soldiers and seamen that died during the battle on Oct 11, 1776.
The day included a special Navy Band performance, speeches from historians, members of the team behind this event and members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
“When our chapter was established in the early 1890s, our founding members committed themselves to a sacred duty, ensuring that the brave souls who fought on these waters were never forgotten,” DAR Regent Katherine Duesberg said.
Duesberg said the long-running local tradition converged with a national milestone this year, “The 250th sister centennial anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island and the birth of our American Republic.”
While strong winds prevented the scheduled battle reenactment on the lake, a detailed narration of the battle was delivered by event emcee John Krueger with backing vocals in the form of simulated cannon fire.
“It was just, It’s amazing how it all came together,” Clinton County Historical Association president Geri Favreau said Sunday afternoon, “Many, many volunteers, many hours, three to four years of hard work, and this is how it all came together,”
A reenactor from Quebec, Fred Pare said the event Sunday was a good way to connect with other reenactors and impart local history to the community.
“It was fun, and actually 250 years ago, sailors wouldn’t go out on the lake to fight under these conditions,” he said. “So we relived history as it would have happened back in the day. Hopefully they had better weather for that day than us, that’s for sure. But it felt really good.” Pare spent the afternoon knee deep in the water firing cannons during the reading of the events of the battle. “I love the community,” he said “We’re all friends here and to be able to share that sense of community around the history, and share stories, is what it’s all about.” Favreau said the CCHA still has plans to celebrate the America 250 throughout the rest of the year at the museum and around the county. For more information visit clintoncountyhistorical.org/.
