Champlain: River History and Routes Between Two Villages

The Great Chazy River shapes Champlain in several ways: the center of the Village of Champlain and traces of early settlement lie along the river; today, there is also a boat launch, fishing access, and a kayak launch. Historic markers and the Northern Tier Recreation Trail, which provides a way to travel between two villages without motorized vehicles, add to the area’s attractions. Those looking for a vacation rental in Champlain can tailor their stay to a wide range of interests—from the river to the stories preserved at specific places.

River and Local History

The Champlain History Center is in the center of the Village of Champlain, next to the bridge over the Great Chazy River. The Center’s Franco-American Room contains books about Franco-Americans in northern New York and New England. This offers a concrete insight into subjects explored by local history beyond individual buildings and monuments. For travelers who enjoy learning about an area’s history, its connection to the Franco-American population is a distinct focus.

The river was also the setting for early settlement history. Between May and November 1788, Pliny Moore and several of his settlers built a sawmill at Perry’s Mills on the Great Chazy River while staying in Champlain. The site of the Pliny Moore Sawmill is on Locust Street, also known as Perry’s Mills Road. This connects a specific place and period with the history of settlement, without limiting the story to a single commemorative plaque.

Markers with Different Stories

Historic markers in and around the Town of Champlain commemorate a variety of events and places, and modern interpretive trail panels provide additional information. A marker at the East Battery recalls the camp of American General George Izard and 4,500 soldiers during the War of 1812. The East Battery is at the intersection of Pine Street and Spruce Street. Another marker at the Ashmun Birthplace Site identifies the birthplace of Jehudi Ashmun. It describes him as the first colonization agent in Liberia, Africa, from 1822 to 1828.

The marker “First School with Dr. William Beaumont as Teacher” is another named site in Champlain; it is on Oak Street. The Dewey Family Cemetery is a field now owned by the Town of Champlain and used as a community park and memorial to soldiers. The Champlain Meeting House differs in ownership status: it is privately owned. Together, these places show different facets of local history, from a military camp and a personal life story to a school, cemetery, and meeting place.

Exploring the Northern Tier Recreation Trail

For an active way to explore the area, there is the Northern Tier Recreation Trail, which is about 5 miles long. It starts at Bill Earl Park in the Village of Champlain and ends at Rouses Point Elementary School. The trail is for non-motorized use only. Residents and visitors can walk, run, ride bicycles, or travel using mobility devices between the two villages.

River activities and the trail appeal to different interests: the Great Chazy River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, while the trail is intended for non-motorized travel between the villages. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider which of these activities you want to focus on during your stay. Champlain’s historic sites offer another, more cultural and historical perspective on the area. You can also explore Plattsburgh as another destination.

For the broader travel overview: Clinton County.