The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Town of Peru Co-Historians Ron and Carol Allen led a joyous celebration Friday, August 7, 2009 on the occasion of the unveiling of the historical markers for historic Peru Landing and Port Jackson.  (See more photos) The unveiling took place on the site of the original Port Jackson – the Valcour Conference Center. New York State Assemblywoman Janet Dubrey, Quadricentennial Commission Vice-Chair Celine Paquette and Clinton County Historian Anastasia Pratt welcomed those present to the ceremonies.

Ron Allen said that Peru Landing is important in Peru’s history because it is the point where many of Peru’s first settler’s stepped foot on to the North Country soil. The landing was established by John Craig in 1787 and is located .3 miles north of the entrance of what is now Ausable Point State Park. Everett, Finch, Ketchum and Jackson are just a few of the families who arrived in Peru at Peru Landing. Unfortunately, the water wasn’t too deep at that point along Lake Champlain, so in 1820 Port Jackson was established 1.3 miles to the north at what is now known as the Valcour Conference Center. For the remainder of the 19^th century Port Jackson was a departure and arrival point for passengers and goods. The North County’s products such as lumber and iron ore, potatoes and other agricultural goods were shipped from Port Jackson, down Lake Champlain into the Hudson River to New York City. The Laphams Mills Road was a direct route to the port.  In 1876 the railroad connected Plattsburgh and Albany and the steamship gradually declined as the preferred method of transporting goods.