The Battle of Valcour may have been the singular military event on Lake Champlain during the Revolutionary War. But it wasn't the last military event if you now include the War of 1812.
Unlike the Battle of Valcour in 1776, the Battle of Plattsburgh was a decisive American victory that helped bring an end to the War of 1812. Plattsburgh is located just a few miles north of Valcour on the New York shoreline.
The naval encounter took place just south of Cumberland Head where the British fleet rounded the point, only to meet the American fleet lying in wait for them. Even though there were only half the number of American troops as there were British, the tactical advantage of position meant the Americans could successfully press home their advantage.
From Wikipedia:
"The Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, ended the final British invasion of the northern states of the United States during the War of 1812. Two British forces, an army under Lieutenant General Sir George Prévost and a naval squadron under Captain George Downie converged on the lakeside town of Plattsburgh, New York. Plattsburgh was defended by New York and Vermont militia and detachments of regular troops of the United States Army, all under the command of Brigadier General Alexander Macomb, and ships commanded by Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough.
Downie's squadron attacked shortly after dawn on 11 September 1814, but was defeated after a hard fight in which Downie was killed. Prévost then abandoned the attack by land against Macomb's defences and retreated to Canada, stating that even if Plattsburgh was captured, any British troops there could not be supplied without control of the lake."
This occurred as the Treaty of Ghent was being negotiated. Because the American victory was so decisive and the British defeat was underscored by the British recognition that any troops on American soil could not be supplied, The Treaty negotiations were brought to a close without Britain gaining any geography for all of its military efforts.
Today, Lake Champlain is under American control and these waters remain peaceful.
Cheers,
Brio
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