CHAMPLAIN — The Town of Champlain held a special America 250 flag presentation at Point au Fer Park on Saturday.
Woodmen Life Chapter 462 presented a limited edition Betsy Ross America 250 flag to the town to be flown over the historic park.
Presenting the flag were Chapter President Steve Wolter and former President David Blixt. Accepting it in behalf of the town were Robert St. John and Clifford Sterling from American Legion Post 912.
Councilman Jason Borrie spoke in behalf of the town, and Mary Bleau represented the local Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Clinton County Legislature and Town Historian Calvin Castine spoke briefly, and historian David Patrick gave a more detailed history of Point au Fer.
The location was the site of the Battle of Point au Fer, which took place June 6, 1760, between the famed Rogers Rangers and French forces during the French and Indian War.
Point au Fer was a strategic location on Lake Champlain, located about five miles south of the present border.
After the battle, the British gained control and later built a garrison, known as “The White House,” in 1774.
Among the known visitors to the Point during the Revolutionary War period were Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. Control of Point au Fer fluctuated between the British and American forces for several years during and after the War.
In attendance for the flag raising were American Legion Post 912 Honor Guard, Post 912 Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion, along with several reenactors dressed in period militia attire and the American Legion Post 1619 Revolutionary War Honor Guard.