The Saranac River runs through the heart of Plattsburgh and has long been the lifeblood of the region, supporting native peoples before the arrival of Europeans and later playing a crucial role in its commercial and industrial development from the early 17th century onward. Industrial use brought significant environmental damage, most notably soil contamination from the New York State Electric and Gas manufactured gas plant upstream, where coal tar and petroleum products used to make flammable gas from the late 19th century until 1960 were found in river sediments. In recent decades, efforts to restore water quality and reconnect people to the river have made remediation of the NYSEG property a priority, with contaminated sediments removed and riverbanks stabilized to prevent erosion. MacDonough Park and Champlain Park have provided important open space, the Saranac River Trail has improved public access for walkers and cyclists, and a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant in 2016 helped support riverwalk reconstruction, landings, overlooks, and other improvements. The river's uses and the community's priorities have changed over time, but it has remained central to the life of the region.