Plattsburgh

In September 1814, the British began a large invasion of New York along Lake Champlain arriving at Plattsburgh on September 11. Although the British fleet outnumbered the Americans, Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough positioned the American vessels in way that overcame the British navy’s size. The fighting resulted in heavy losses on both sides, but the British ships ultimately surrendered leading a retreat of the British land forces.

The Battle of Plattsburgh has often been referred to as one of the only decisive battles in the entire war. MacDonough's victory in Cumberland Bay resulted in Lieutenant General Sir George Prévost, commanding the British land forces in Plattsburgh, calling a general retreat. The British offensive was stopped cold on September 11, 1814.