Valcour Island is an island in Lake Champlain in Clinton County, New York, USA. The island is mostly in the Town of Peru and partly in the Town of Plattsburgh, southeast of the City of Plattsburgh.
Valcour Island, about two miles (3 km) long and a mile (2 km) broad, lies by the western shore of Lake Champlain, forming a narrow strait against the New York mainland. Its shores are alternately rocky, craggy outcroppings and sandy beaches. Several protected bays provide anchorages. The Bluff Point Light stands on the western shore. It guided boats through the narrow strait from 1871 until 1930 when it was replaced by a steel tower.
It is the fourth largest island in Lake Champlain. The only larger Islands are Grand Isle, North Hero Island and Isle la Motte of Vermont.
On October 11, 1776, a naval engagement known as the Battle of Valcour Island was fought in that strait between British and United States naval forces under Benedict Arnold.
The island is now within the Adirondack Park.
Famous quotes containing the word island:
“The shifting islands! who would not be willing that his house should be undermined by such a foe! The inhabitant of an island can tell what currents formed the land which he cultivates; and his earth is still being created or destroyed. There before his door, perchance, still empties the stream which brought down the material of his farm ages before, and is still bringing it down or washing it away,—the graceful, gentle robber!”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)