PLATTSBURGH — As Clinton Community College transitions its academic programs and facilities to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, two artifacts that have long stood as symbols of the region’s military and maritime history have found a new permanent home at Plattsburgh Town Hall.
As the results of the coordinated efforts of John Rock, members of the American Legion Post 1619, the Sons of the American Legion Post 1619, Clinton Community College and the town’s Building and Grounds Department, the historic bronze British cannon and the anchor from the U.S.S. Preble have been relocated and are now displayed in the Town Hall lobby, town leaders said.
The Clinton County Historical Association and the New York State Museum supported the cannon’s placement at the town.
A FITTING NEW HOME
Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman praised what he called “the collaborative spirit, historical reverence and logistical precision that made the transfer and installation of these artifacts possible.”
“We are proud to provide a new home for these extraordinary pieces of North Country history,” said Supervisor Michael S. Cashman. “They represent not only pivotal moments in our region’s past, but also our ongoing commitment to preserving and honoring that history. These artifacts will now be seen by students, families, veterans and community members who walk through the doors of Town Hall every day.”
According to town leaders, the relocation was not just about preserving objects it was about elevating public access, deepening community awareness and “honoring the rich historical fabric of the North Country.”
“I’m deeply grateful to the American Legion Members and Sons, our dedicated Town staff, and especially to John Rock, Steve Frederick, Tom Mandeville, the Clinton County Historical Association and the New York State Museum for their support and stewardship,” Cashman said. “Their commitment ensured that these treasures remained local, were not lost to time, but instead elevated for future generations. This was a true team effort, rooted in respect for our past and a shared pride in our future.”
Members of the American Legion Post 1619 and Sons of the American Legion orchestrated the move from Clinton Community College, then handing off to the Town Hall team, town leaders said.
The Town’s Building and Grounds Department installed the cannon and the anchor in central lobby.
FROM LAKEBED TO LEGACY
This 1,012-pound bronze light 12-pounder cannon measures 65-and-a-half inches in length and was cast at the Royal Brass Foundry in Woolwich, England by Andrew Schalch in 1748. The cannon still bears visible hand-finishing marks and ornate raised decorations hallmarks of 18th-century craftsmanship, according to information provided by the town.
“The cannon, along with a twin, is believed to have been captured from the British by the French during the French and Indian War, likely around the fall of Fort William Henry in 1757. By 1759, the French had mounted the cannons on a gunboat patrolling the Lake Champlain region. As British forces closed in near Crab Island, the French scuttled the vessel and threw both cannons overboard in an effort to prevent their recapture,” according to a prepared statement.
“Although the French intended to recover the cannons later, British control of the lake made that impossible and the artifacts remained underwater for over two centuries. In 1968, the cannon was rediscovered on the lake floor by three young scuba divers from Cliff Haven, including Frank Pabst. It was eventually determined to be the rightful property of the People of the State of New York. In 1993, the Clinton County Historical Association transferred stewardship of the cannon to Clinton Community College, where it remained on display for decades,” the document stated.
“Today, one cannon resides at the Crown Point Historic Site, while the other has found a new home at the Town of Plattsburgh Town Hall where the public can view and appreciate this powerful reminder of the region’s past,” town leaders said.
THE U.S.S. PREBLE ANCHOR
Document stated, “The second artifact is an iron anchor from the U.S.S. Preble, an American naval vessel under the command of Lt. Charles Budd and the southernmost ship in Commodore Thomas Macdonough’s squadron during the Battle of Plattsburgh on Sept. 11, 1814.
“When under attack by British gunboats in Cumberland Bay, the Preble was forced to cut its anchors and tack into shore. The ship rejoined the battle and contributed to the pivotal American victory that helped end the War of 1812.
“Recovered by divers, including Dennis Lewis, in the early 1980s, the anchor was installed on the Clinton Community College campus in 1993. Its relocation to Town Hall now ensures it remains in public view and continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought on Lake Champlain.”
A COMMUNITY INVITATION
“We hope these artifacts inspire residents and visitors to take a moment to reflect on the bravery, determination, and historical events that helped shape our region,” Cashman said.
“History lives among us not just in textbooks, but in the physical reminders of courage and conflict, sacrifice and resilience. We’re honored to help tell that story here at Town Hall.”
Both the cannon and anchor are now on display in the Town of Plattsburgh Town Hall lobby, located at 151 Banker Road.