In Cumberland Bay on September 11, 1814, an American fleet under the command of U. S. Navy Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough defeated the British and changed the course of history. Macdonough anchored his fleet and awaited the British. At a critical point in the battle, Macdonough turned his flagship Saratoga around so that its undamaged side faced the British flagship Confiance, and hammered it with cannon fire until the British surrendered. The defeated British naval and ground forces retreated north, and the War of 1812 was effectively ended. Were it not for this victory, the Lake Champlain Basin and northern lands might have become part of Canada. Americans across the country celebrated the victory with great bonfires and fireworks. Congress struck a gold medal in Macdonough's honor. New York and Vermont presented land to the commander including a gift of this 200-acre site, conserved as the Macdonough farm for five generations.

Photo: Robert Rusaw

Parc, New York · USA