The Peru Gazette

Clinton County American Legion Commander Joe Patnode

The official groundbreaking on May 26, 2023.

A large number of people turned out for the groundbreaking.

By John T. Ryan

May 26, 2023 – Plattsburgh Excitement was in the air Friday as many supporters attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman told the large gathering he was so excited he had trouble sleeping the previous night. Located on Route 9 across from Clare and Carls Restaurant, the seven-acre Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park will connect what Cashman called the “triangle of history,” the mainland, Crab Island, and Valcour Island. The park’s ultimate goal is to honor our veterans and its history and to educate both residents and visitors on that history.

Local historian John Rock approached Cashman with the Gateway concept shortly after Cashman took office six years ago. Over the past five years, planning and fundraising have been taking place. Cashman praised Assemblyman Billy Jones for securing $250,000 in state monies, saying, “Without those funds, we would not be here today.” Jones referred to the park as a public-private partnership, emphasizing that more funding and “sweat equity” are needed to complete the project.

The American Legion and several local businesses have committed to the project. Clinton County American Legion Commander Joe Patnode told the gathering, “This park will be for all veterans, educating our youth, as well as many adults, including myself, on how this area was instrumental in the development of the greatest Constitutional Republic ever formed.”

Michael Cashman, Assemblyman Jones, and John Rock believe the park will attract visitors to our region. Rock stated, “I believe this will be a destination point for tourism… This is one of the most historic sites in the nation that I know of that has not been shown the honor that has taken place here and its importance in the birth of our country.” Rock noted that fifty Americans who died in the War of 1812 are buried on Crab Island. He said, “Until a flag pole was erected on the island in 2022, their names had not been displayed since September 11, 1814.”

Historian John Rock, who conceived the Gateway

Supervisor Casham directed people to where an amphitheater and playground will be constructed. He envisions teachers bringing history classes to the park.

Plans call for the park to be opened in phases to be complete for our nation’s Semiquincenntial (America 250) on July 4, 2026. Luck Brothers Construction is currently working on phase 1.