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Crab Island History November 11, 2002 WPTZ NEWS CHANNEL 5 
Tiny Crab Island, which lies just north of famous Valcour Island, is an important historic site on Lake Champlain. During the War of 1812, it was the site military hospital for the bloody Battle of Plattsburgh. Buried there are also 149 American and British soldliers who were killed during the battle. Except for the efforts of several dedicated volunteers like Roger Harwood and Jim Millard, the site has not been properly kept up, even though it is federally recognized military cemetary. The large commorative granite obelisk is in disrepair, there is nothing marking the burial site, and the island is overgrown and infested with poison ivy. Currently the volunteers are working to encourage state and federal agencies who own and manage the site to fund its upkeep and coordinate management with local groups. Read Jim Millard's "Secrets of Crab Island," to learn more about the island's unique history.
Recently volunteers have attempted to restore Crab Island's flag pole. Through the efforts of John Rock and a grant from NYSEG a new flagpole was brought to the island during September. Unfortunately this flag pole was damaged by a wind gust during the installation; however, it is expected to be fixed and installed soon. Visiting Crab Island Crab Island is public land and can be visited; however, do not disturb or collect any artifacts, or damage vegetation. Metal detectors are prohibited. Watch out for poison ivy! Links & Contacts "The Secrets of Crab Island" - America's Historic Lakes Battle of Plattsburgh Interpretive Center Battle of Plattsburgh Festival Website Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Clinton County Historical Association Museum 48 Court St. Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-0340 Kid's Place | Lake Champlain Basin Atlas | Local Partners & Grants Opportunities for Action | Water Quality | Living Natural Resources Recreation & Culture | Publications & Reports | Links Lake Champlain Basin Program PO Box 204 54 West Shore Road Grand Isle, Vermont 05458 To Contact LCBP: lcbp@lcbp.org Telephone: (802) 372-3213 or 1-800-468-LCBP http://www.lcbp.org Send questions or comments on this web site to Nicole L. Ballinger at the LCBP. Last Updated: November 11, 2002 Web site design by Nicole L. Ballinger (LCBP). |