Saturday, September 28, 2013

Tidbits from Plattsburg

If you're like me you have probably never heard of Plattsburg—unless you have family move in or near the area. A couple weeks back I had the opportunity to visit the area and stumbled upon a great find. On September 11, 1814 (Ironic date) the Battle of Plattsburg was fought during the War of 1812. The city goes all out for this event, and now they are gearing up for next year when it will be the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Plattsburg. In summary, the Battle of Plattsburg was fought on two fronts, land and sea. The land battle held off the invading English troops. The Americans did not win, but they did what was necessary to hold off the English while the sea battle was being implemented. The battle at sea was won by the Americans and helped turn the tide of the War of 1812.

There's a great little museum in Plattsburg depicting the war, and includes period costumes for kids to try on, relics from the war and great info about life in the area at that time.

Below are some pictures from the reenactment:
This image is some of the American's as they step back to line up for the next round of shooting they used a Napoleon style of fighting, which the British were used to because of the war with France.
Lining up to fire against the British
British Marching toward the Americans
French Canadian Troops fighting with the British

Below is a picture of the type of ship used during the Naval Attack. There was a much larger war ship involved as well, but these were some of the ships the locals used to help with the attack on the British ship that surrendered.
Inside the ship looking toward the bow

The City of Plattsburg has many other historical tidbits but this is the one I concentrated on during my recent visit. If you're ever in the North Country you might want to take the time to stop by. And if you can experience next year's 200th anniversary you'll be in for a real treat.

This month, Courting Holly was released and I"m happy to be giving away a free book to the winner of a drawing for the book. The winner will be taken from those who post a comment from today's blog. I am traveling from New England to Florida today, so I'll be in touch with the winner in a couple days.

If you're interested in historical tidbits you might want to check out my 19th Century Historical Tidbits Blog


33 comments:

  1. This would be great to visit places like this. Good pictures also. Are you going back next year? My brother lives in MsDonough, NY. One author, Donna (oh can't remember her last name) Winters was her name I think. She studies and researches history in that part of the country and told me the history of this little town. It was interesting. It was named for one of the men in charge of the battle in that area. The house my brother lives in is over 100 years old. They don't build anything as good as they used to tho. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Hi Maxie,
      I would like to go back next year but don't know if I'll be able too. My daughter and her family who live in the area will definitely be enjoying the festivities.

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  2. Hi Lynn,
    I would have been there had I any chance. I am one of the readers who has indeed heard of Plattsburg and knows about this decisive win for the United States as I am studying and writing in this period. I'm so glad you had a chance to visit. The event is commemorated often but the ones taking place on the 200th anniversary are special. I also understand that they have a great museum there and hosted a symposium as well. You certainly caught my attention. Thanks for sharing your visit!

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    1. next year ought to be a lot of fun! Are you participating, Debra?

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    2. You're welcome Debra. If you can manage a visit for the 200th I think you'll enjoy it.

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  3. I loved this great post! Thanks for the interesting information and the pictures. I love reenactments. The picture of the ship used in the Naval Attack, does somebody keep that at their house and then bring it out when needed? Or does it stay at the museum? I would love to win a copy of your book! Thanks for the chance to win!
    tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net

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    1. Hi Sally,
      I didn't ask where the ship is stored year round but I'm certain a call to the museum will give you the answer you seek.

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  4. Where exactly is Plattsburg? I had not heard of it, nor of this battle. Thanks for the interesting look! The reenactment looks to have been very exciting to watch! I have never been to a reenactment, but always enjoy museums and historic places, so I'm sure I would love to see one.

    jimmynmatthewsmom [at] netzero [dot] com

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    1. Plattsburg is just south of the Canadian/US border off of I87. Here's the link to google maps https://maps.google.com/maps?safe=active&q=plattsburgh+ny&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4cca38a8e8a57ed7:0xb5b0e8a1c5537415,Plattsburgh,+NY&gl=us&ei=_r1LUuKKF5Kw8QToh4EI&sqi=2&ved=0CJUBELYD

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  5. Thank you so much for the informative blog. Next year would really be a great time to take a trip to Plattsburg. I love reinactments, they make you feel like you were right there in the thick of things back when. Besides the reinactment, what does the city do in rememberance of the Battle of Plattsburg? And what is the population of Plattsburg? Thank you the opportunity to win Courting Holly. I am keeping my fingers crossed!

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    1. I always forget to add my email address in the event that I might win. Like I said, "I am keeping my fingers crossed!"

      melback at cebridge dot net

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    2. Hi Melanie, they host various events. There's a church that turns it's basement into a period pub serving ale and food from the time period. Another museum in the area has a historical fashion show with period customs from the time period. There's a parade, street fair, fireworks, a tent city where the reenacters (tried spelling with the 'or' but auto correct kept changing it.) and so much more.

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  6. I really enjoyed the article of Plattsburg. I live near Pa. But have never heard of this particular attraction. Really hope to see it in the future. I am fortunate to live in a community that does a civil war reenactment every year at a fall festival here. It always is portrayed realistically, and it leaves a lasting impression especially on the children I love how they ask questions about what they have seen. We can give a living history to them . Your book is on my to read list. Thank you.
    mcnuttjem0@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Jackie. Living History is always great for children and adults to learn from.

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  7. Love the subject matter and would appreciate reading your material. Thx! pudy68 @ gmail dot com

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  8. Thank you for sharing this historical tidbit. I loved seeing the pictures from the reenactment! What a wonderful way to educate people and preserve history! Next year's 200th anniversary celebration will certainly be a sight to behold.

    I look forward to reading Holly and Bryce's story and thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of COURTING HOLLY.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Britney. Try to attend if you can, I can't imagine another year being more special.

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  9. What a fun discovery! I love stumbling on to things ike that in my travels. Thanks for sharing with us!

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    1. You're welcome Winnie and I agree stumbling on discoveries is so much fun.

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  10. I'm familiar with the War of 1812, but not the Battle of Plattsburg. Not sure where it is either-- New York? Maryland? or maybe Canada? The photos are great. Those men in Plattsburg really take their history seriously! I'm sure the reenactment next year will be worth seeing.

    Donna Robinson
    derobin7 (at) gmail.com

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    1. Hi Donna, NY is the answer. And yes they take their history seriously.

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  11. I'd never heard of Plattsburg, but have always enjoyed going to battle reenactments--they make history come alive for me! I bet next year's festivities will be neat to see. Thanks for the chance to win Courting Holly!
    kam110476 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  13. I haven't heard of Plattsburg, but have always been interested in battle reenactments, & would love to see this one! Where is it located?

    Would also love to read Courting Holly, Lynn, - thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Plattsburg, NY is off of I87 just south of the US/Canadian border.

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  14. Plattsburg is new to me. I don't even remember it in my history classes. It's very interesting history. Would love to read Courting Holly.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. I would really like to win, this sounds like a great book, thank you for the chance.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. HI all,
    I'll be holding the drawing tomorrow and will notify who the winner is at that point. Thanks for understanding my delay in not being able to get to this right away. We had a great vacation and came back exhausted but also having to hit the ground running.
    We'll see who the lucky winner is in a few hours.
    In His grip,
    Lynn

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  17. Jackie McNutt is the winner this month for a copy of Courting Holly. Thank you all for your wonderful comments, I look forward to connecting with some of you next month.

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