BOP 2020: Then and Now

PLATTSBURGH | In spite of closures and cancelations, dedicated volunteers, some involved in the original formation of the commemorative event in 1997, have been on the frontlines of adapting and preserving this iconic piece of local and national history during pandemic times. BACKGROUND: THE BATTLE On Sept. 11, 1814, taking place on both land and water, the Battle of Plattsburgh (BOP) is what many locals and historians say put an ultimate end to the War of 1812, preventing the British from heading southbound from Canada to New York City. Sometimes called the Battle of Lake Champlain, the naval BOP victory against British forces solidified Commodore Thomas Macdonough's military significance. Around 30 years old at the time, and after just having just been promoted to "master commandant" the year before, he oversaw the small American fleet of 14 ships, mostly constructed in Vergennes, VT. American numbers totaled about 4,000 while British troops counted 14,000. Macdonough's limited naval experience was irrelevant given unanticipated winds that impacted the otherwise overpowering British navy's ability to maneuver the lake. Legendary details of the battle are now casually discussed by locals, easing their way into product names and business ventures. For example, amidst early naval action, British Captain George Downie was struck and killed while standing behind a canon; British land Commander George Prevost ordered forces to retreat back to Canada, thus their attempts to secure Lake Champlain, among the Great Lakes, had been thwarted. Now, beers from area craft breweries borrow names from local lore and facts surrounding the battle, sparking conversations about historic details like Downie's death. The British captain lies buried in Riverside Cemetery along with both British and American sailors — an unusual arrangement for the time. Ultimately, these memorable underdog events in favor of the Americans led to the Treaty of Ghent and the completion of the war. COMMEMORATIVE ORIGINS Recognizing the lasting historic significance of these local events, a group of what former Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee Co-Chair Kit Booth describes as "interested people" gathered in 1997 to plan the first Battle of Plattsburgh commemorative event, including local historians and the chamber of commerce. For a few years, the group operated in tandem with the city, annually raising a total of $5,000 of support and returning the remainder to the municipality. Eventually, the group wanted to be able to bank for its future and assimilated into the Battle of Plattsburgh Association (BPA) non-profit. For the bicentennial in 2014, Booth said there were 17 days of events, including 13 musical bands in the parade — and not just in Plattsburgh. That year, total volunteers numbered about 50. "We covered a lot more territory than just the City of Plattsburgh," said Booth, listing participation in outlying communities to the north, where battle action took place, such as Beekmantown, Chazy, Rouses Point and even Peru to the south. At the end of 2014, after 17 years of volunteering, Booth said the committee was losing some steam. The city took over management of the event until 2019. With input from previous players, like Booth, a new independent non-profit formed in 2020: 1814 Commemoration, Inc., with history enthusiast Tom Donahue as chair. Booth said he's excited to see the event back in the hands of volunteers. "They'll have their hearts in it more sincerely." THIS YEAR'S EVENT The goal of this year's event, amidst the pandemic, is to safely provide both entertainment and education surrounding the battle and its significance, both locally and nationally. Newly-filmed video interviews with reenactors will be viewable online. In-person highlights will include a performance by Stan Ransom, former Plattsburgh Public Library Director and long-time BOP supporter, at the city's "Curbside at Harborside" music series on Sept. 12. A historical marker activity will encourage locals to independently travel throughout the surrounding communities in search of signs signifying locations of significant events or people of the battle's time period, following the Boy Scouts History Trail Map. A finalized full event schedule will be announced soon. THE NEXT GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS In 1998, a year after the first BOP events, Booth said eight out of ten locals you asked probably wouldn't have been able to discuss much about the battle or its significance. But now, thanks to 23 years of annual events, it's a local staple for residents and visitors. 2020's events, though mostly virtual, are no exception. "It's important we don't miss a year," Booth told Sun Community News. The new 1814 Commemoration, Inc. group is eager to welcome new faces; individuals interested in becoming involved in future commemorative events and preservation of local history can contact Tom Donahue at tdlmchair@aol.com.

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