The Secrets of Crab Island

Thursday, July 17, 2025

The small but storied Crab Island sits in Lake Champlain’s Cumberland Bay and has quietly witnessed military engagements, shipwrecks, commemorations, and more. Famed for its role in the Battle of Plattsburgh Bay, American and British naval forces faced off just off its shores in September 1814. During these engagements, Crab Island featured a small American battery and a military field hospital. The site may have also served as a burial ground for more than 125 American and British servicemen. Ultimately, a decisive American naval victory helped usher in the formal end of the War of 1812 in the Northern theatre. In the early 20th century, New York State briefly commissioned the site as McDonough National Military Park and placed several commemorative landmarks, including its well-known obelisk, on the island’s western shores. On this rare guided outing, experience this distinguished island’s remaining buildings, monuments, ruins, and its deep and varied history as we traverse its craggy grounds.

This outing is led by the island’s long-time volunteer caretaker Roger Harwood and AARCH Educational Programs Director Nolan Cool. This tour starts at 10 AM and ends around 2 PM.

The fee is $55 for AARCH members and $70 for non-members.

Please note that this tour includes a short boat ride plus a one mile of walking over uneven, difficult, wooded terrain.

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