Plattsburgh Barrracks dates back to 1814 and was developed out of the necessity to secure the village of Plattsburgh, New York. The War of 1812 and the Battle of Plattsburgh factored into the decision to construct a military installation that remained active from 1814 to 1995. First by the Army, and then by the Air Force.
Construction began in 1838 to build the necessary barracks, officers’ quarters, hospital, etc. Although most of the complex has been demolished, the “Old Stone Barracks,” a brick powder magazine, and the old post cemetery are still standing.
The Plattsburgh Idea, the predecessor of the ROTC, was designed to provide civilian military preparedness and was enacted prior to World War I.
Thousands of men were trained for their generation’s war at Plattsburgh Barracks.
*Photos from the New York Heritage Digital Collections: Plattsburgh Barracks
In 1953 Plattsburgh Air Force Base took over operations and continued there until 1995.
Today, the Old Stone Barracks operates as the Valcour Brewing Company & Inn.
Do you have a connection to Plattsburgh Barracks? We would love to hear your story.
My father was station there in the early 1940s. That is how he and my mother met. The Plattsburgh area is a great place to grow up.
I just read your post about 1970 in Plattsburgh! I would love to visit that area.
My father was in training there in early 1943 as part of the 51st Engineer Combat Battalion before they left for Europe.
I’m hoping to add a much more in-depth post about the Plattsburgh Barracks and it’s importance before World War I on through World War II very soon with some other postcards and information – it has quite the history!
I was active duty USAF firing range instructor 1980’s and 90’s. Hunted deer on Valcor Island many chilly mornings. People were still finding cannon balls in the water around the island ! Beautiful historical area.