PLATTSBURGH — History buffs and community members-alike gathered in Downtown Plattsburgh under sun-drenched skies to celebrate the historic battle that took place on Plattsburgh’s shores 210 years ago.
This year marks the 26th annual Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration organized by 1814 Commemoration Inc. with help from volunteers, and other local organizations, agencies and businesses.
The 1814 Commemoration Inc. was created in 1998 by a dedicated group of longtime Battle of Plattsburgh volunteers dedicated to commemorating the Battle of Plattsburgh which took place Sept. 11, 1814.
The battle marked a pivotal point in the war, defending against and preventing a major British push into the United States from Canada.
The key element of the battle was the victory on Lake Champlain mastered by Commodore Thomas Macdonough.
Macdonough laid a trap for the experienced British fleet and convincingly knocked them out in Plattsburgh Bay on Sept. 11, 1814.
Each year, organizers with 1814 Commemoration, Inc. organize the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration to highlight and recall that era with re-enactments, music and other festivities.
Saturday was a gorgeous day with bright sunshine and temperatures reaching 80 degrees, which helped bring out large crowds to enjoy the festivities.
Several living history reenactments took place at the Kent-Delord House Museum including 19th Century Trades & Military Equipment Demonstrations.
“You know how easy it is to forget stuff? All it takes is one generation and it could be gone,” reenactor Craig Russell said.
“Events like the Battle of Plattsburgh and committees such as 1814 Commemoration Inc, is an opportunity to pass it on to someone else who is passionate about this. Otherwise, it’ll all be forgotten.”
HISTORY WAS THE TICKET
According to Russell, dedicated volunteers are of vital importance to keeping an event like this and history from being lost to time.
“I am starting to see younger committee members, maybe in their 30s, which is great because when some of the older members have to drop out, or just can’t do it anymore, there will be someone to pass the baton to,” he added.
Russell, originally from South Yonkers, has been doing reenactment work since he was 14-years-old after visiting the museum village in Monroe.
“History was the ticket,” he said.
“I watched the ladies drip the candles, and do all kinds of work. I knew I wanted to do this.”
Russell is a candle maker and tin work demonstrator. The skills he’s learned through this work allow him to tailor most of his own clothes, and create candles, sconces, and more.
“I like working by hand,” he said.
“It gives me something to do in the winter.”
RE-ENACTMENT CAMP
The yard was filled with old canvas tents and special demonstrations from a time long past, including smithing, tin work, candle making, fishing equipment and more.
Inside the house, a self-guided tour was available to learn more about life on the Kent-Delord property and those who once called it home.
“If you take history and to make it living, it becomes more engaging, especially for children and they need to know the history before they move forward,” said Connie Lalonde, Kent-Delord House Museum vice president and docent.
“It is something they can explore. There is a lot of history in Plattsburgh, and this house specifically, that locals don’t even know about. There are a lot of intricacies between the Kent-Delord house and the history of Plattsburgh.”
According to Lalonde, her favorite part about working at the House Museum is talking to people and relaying the deep history of the property.
“How much of the history of this house is tied to the very beginning of Plattsburgh,” she said.
FUN FOR ALL AGES
Throughout the day, Battle of Plattsburgh attendees could satiate their hunger at the food truck food court, including Tammy’s Lunchbox, The Dogfather, Peace love Grilled Cheese and Giuseppe’s pizza.
The Boy Scouts of America and Plattsburgh Lions Club offered other concessions available for purchase, including beverages, snacks and more.
Old Soul Design Shop returned with “The Israel Green Tavern,” a beer tent for attendees ages 21-years and up to sit, sip and enjoy the festivities in Trinity Park.
More demonstrations geared towards children, including soap carving, woodworking and more, took place surrounding Macdonough Monument across from City Hall.
Directly next to City Hall, Market32 sponsored a special kids tent for all the games and activities that children might have been playing in the early 1800s.
“One of the things we are trying to do is have the kids take part in the Battle of Plattsburgh celebrations that they can relate to,” said Stan Ransom, longtime librarian, historian and organizer of the kids games and activities.
SHARING THE HISTORY
According to Ransom, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the committee and the Battle of Plattsburgh event is helping the community to understand the historical context of Plattsburgh and Lake Champlain.
“We enjoy doing it just for helping the community to understand what happened here all those years ago,” he said.
“And letting all the kids know that what we do for our country matters, and what those brave soldiers sacrificed for their community, for the city and for the country.”
Ransom hopes events such as this one will encourage members of the community to learn about the history of the nation.
The Kiwanis Breakfast Club of Plattsburgh gave out “156 steps club,” to anyone brave enough to climb to the top of the Macdonough Monument.
The line to attempt the challenge reached out onto City Hall Place.
SHIPS, BOATS AND BUGGIES
The parade took place Saturday featuring Emergency Service vehicles such as the City of Plattsburgh Fire Department, New York State Troopers, as well as the North Country Honor Flight, several marching bands, local businesses and more.
Momot Elementary School took first place in this years’ parade, which was themed “1814 Ships, Boats and Buggies,” followed by the Knights of Columbus in second place and FTC 4H Robotics, Team Beta 8397 in third place.
“The Battle of Plattsburgh is one of the most attended and loved events of the year,” Mayor Chris Rosenquest said.
While the event primarily focuses on recreating the past for people to enjoy and learn about, the celebration can also be about what is to come.
“It’s one of those things,” Rosenquest said.
“History defines us as a region and as a people. It’s important to remember when we look forward, how we frame and shape the future.”