Brews at the Barracks

Thursday, August 21, 2025

The Plattsburgh Military Reservation goes by many names — the Plattsburgh Barracks, the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, even simply “the Oval.”  Regardless of what you call it, the area is home to numerous adaptively used military structures. This section of Plattsburgh was the site of British and American engagements during the War of 181, and housed elements of the U.S. Army and Air Force throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Join us for an in-depth, guided tour of this cross-section of North Country history and architecture. The base is now home to two successful craft breweries in adapted military buildings, the first of which is our starting point — Valcour Brewing Company, housed in the 1838 Old Stone Barracks. Our tour also includes a tasting at Oval Craft Brewing housed in the 1890s carriage house formerly used for horse-drawn fire carts. Additional stops include the Plattsburgh Air Force Museum to get a sense of Plattsburgh’s broader military role over time; the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, built during the early 1930s for servicemen and those housed at the Barracks; and lastly, a nearby officer’s quarters beautifully restored as a private residence.

This outing is led by AARCH advisory council member and co-author of The Plattsburgh Military Reservation, Richard Frost. The tour starts at 12:30 PM and ends around 4:30 PM.

The fee is $60 for AARCH members and $75 for non-members. Cost includes light appetizers and samples at Valcour Brewing Company and one drink at Oval Craft Brewery.

Please note that this tour includes just over 1.5 mile of walking on pavement and grass.

This outing is funded, in part, by a Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership “Making of Nations” theme grant.