The Peru Gazette

“The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley from A to Z”

This year, the entire country is celebrating “America250,” a national commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776.  In order to educate students and their parents and teachers about our beginnings as a country, the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) has published a book, “The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley, from A to Z,” to be distributed to all fourth and fifth graders in the Clinton, Essex, Franklin County area, free of charge. 

Keeseville artist George “Speedy” Arnold illustrated key events, notably the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776. It was the first battle fought by the newly formed American Continental Navy, under the command of Benedict Arnold. Lake Champlain played a key role early in the War as British and American troops encountered each other along the lake from the Canadian border in the north to Fort Ticonderoga in the south.  We are thankful to CCHA volunteer Anne Bailey and Plattsburgh City Historian Jackie Stewart for identifying the A-Zs and to Anja Bouchard for the design.   The book is dedicated to former Plattsburgh City Historian James “Jim” Bailey (1936–2021). A tireless volunteer for CCHA, Jim took great pride in showcasing our region’s history, and his irrepressible spirit pervades the activity book.

The book contains a glossary at the end, to expand the students’ vocabulary. A production team of teachers, historians, librarians, and CCHA Board members all contributed their expertise and research. The team hopes that the information in the book will encourage students to learn more about the rich history of the Champlain Valley, from the time that Indigenous peoples settled the area, to the present day. 

This project is sponsored by the America250 Committee under the leadership of the Clinton County Historical Association with funding from a 2025 Special Programs Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Stewart’s Shops, a private donor and the support of the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and many others.  The formal presentation of the first copies of the book takes place at Keeseville Elementary School on 14 May by invitation only, after which copies will be distributed to the schools.  Copies will be available to the public after June 1^st at CCHA.