Battle of Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh Bay, Lake Champlain, New York, USA
What happened
US naval forces under Thomas Macdonough and an army under Alexander Macomb fought a British fleet under George Downie and an army under George Prevost. Late in the War of 1812, a British army and fleet moved south from Canada along Lake Champlain. Macdonough anchored his ships in Plattsburgh Bay and, during the battle, used anchors and cables to turn his flagship around so fresh guns could fire. The British flagship surrendered, and the British army called off its attack and returned to Canada.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the last British invasion of the northern United States. It weakened Britain's position at the peace talks in Ghent, which ended the war three months later.
What came next
The Treaty of Ghent was signed on 24 December 1814. A 135-foot monument to Macdonough was dedicated in Plattsburgh in 1926.
Did you know?
Every September since 1968, a sailboat race on Lake Champlain has been named after Commodore Macdonough.
Timeline
- 6 September 1814The British army reaches Plattsburgh.
- 11 September 1814Macdonough wins the naval battle; the British retreat.
- 24 December 1814The Treaty of Ghent is signed.
- 1926The Macdonough Monument is dedicated.