The Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) has published an educational book, The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley, from A to Z, to be distributed to all fourth and fifth graders in the Clinton, Essex, Franklin County area, free of charge.
“This special project represents hours of volunteer work and will be visible throughout the county shortly,” says CCHA Director Helen Allen Nerska, a regular contributor to the New York Almanack.
Lake Champlain played a key role in the Revolutionary War as British and American troops and their allies encountered each other along the length of the 125-mile-long lake connecting the distant ports in Quebec and along the Hudson River.
Keeseville artist George “Speedy” Arnold illustrated key events, notably the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776. It was the first battle fought by the newly formed American Continental Navy, under the command of Benedict Arnold.
CCHA volunteer Anne Bailey and Plattsburgh City Historian Jackie Stewart identified the A-Zs and the book was designed by Anja Bouchard.
The book is dedicated to former Plattsburgh City Historian James “Jim” Bailey (1936–2021), a tireless volunteer for CCHA who took great pride in showcasing the region’s history.
The book contains a glossary at the end, to expand the students’ vocabulary. A production team of teachers, historians, librarians, and CCHA Board members all contributed their expertise and research.
The team hopes that the information in the book will encourage students to learn more about the rich history of the Champlain Valley, from the time that Indigenous peoples settled the area, to the present day.
This project is sponsored by the America250 Committee under the leadership of the Clinton County Historical Association with funding from a 2025 Special Programs Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Stewart’s Shops, a private donor and the support of the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and many others.
Copies of the book will be available to the public after June 1 st at CCHA, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY.
You can read more about efforts underway to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary along Lake Champlain here.
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