Discover Champlain

In the center of the Village of Champlain, the Champlain History Center is next to the bridge over the Great Chazy River. In the Franco-American Room, you can find books about Franco-Americans in northern New York and New England. Historic markers and modern interpretive panels in and around the Town of Champlain highlight their own topics: they commemorate events and places, while the History Center collection offers a broader regional perspective.

History at Specific Places

An early story leads to Perry's Mills on the Great Chazy River. Between May and November 1788, Pliny Moore and several of his settlers built a sawmill there while they were staying in Champlain. The site of the Pliny Moore Sawmill is on Locust Street or Perry's Mills Road. The marker First School with Dr. William Beaumont as Teacher is on Oak Street.

The East-Battery marker is at the intersection of Pine Street and Spruce Street. It commemorates the camp of American General George Izard and his 4,500 soldiers during the War of 1812. Another marker identifies the Ashmun Birthplace Site as the birthplace of Jehudi Ashmun. It also names him as the first colonization agent in Liberia, Africa, from 1822 to 1828. Together, these markers reflect different periods and personal connections in Champlain's history.

The field containing the Dewey Family Cemetery also tells its own story: it is now owned by the Town of Champlain and serves as a community park and memorial to the soldiers. Champlain Meeting House is privately owned. Check access arrangements before visiting.

Great Chazy River and Northern Tier Recreation Trail

The Village of Champlain is on the Great Chazy River. There is a boat launch, fishing access, and a kayak launch there. Conditions for these access points may change seasonally, so check them before your visit.

For non-motorized recreation between two villages, the approximately 5-mile-long Northern Tier Recreation Trail offers another option. It starts at Bill Earl Park in the Village of Champlain and ends at Rouses Point Elementary School. Residents and visitors can walk, run, ride a bike, or travel with wheeled mobility aids there. The trail is for non-motorized use only. Check trail conditions and facilities before your trip.

The themes are distinct: the markers and collection offer ways to connect with local and regional history; river access points and the trail are for outdoor activities. If you choose Champlain for a stay, these features can help you decide what interests you.

Discover more destinations: Plattsburgh

Go to the regional travel overview: Clinton County.