Clinton County Historical Association

Plattsburgh, NY > Plattsburgh Groups & Organizations > Clinton County Historical Association

address:98 Ohio Avenue Plattsburgh, NY 12901 phone:518-561-0340 website:Clinton County Historical Association

The first county to be created in northern New York, carved out of a forested wilderness formerly inhabited by Native Americans, Clinton County's boundaries were defined in 1788. Possession of the hearty first growth timber, fertile soils and control of Lake Champlain were hotly contested for several centuries, among the French, English and Native Americans. All struggled to control the Champlain Valley. Clinton County played a vital role in both the Battle of Valcour in 1776 and the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. The outcome of these two conflicts was instrumental in securing our Nation's independence from Great Britain.