Schuyler Island

Schuyler Island, also known as Schuyler's Island or Whitney Island,[2] is a 161-acre (0.65 km2)[1]:6 uninhabited island in Lake Champlain. It is a part of the Town of Chesterfield in Essex County, New York, located between Port Kent, New York and Willsboro Bay, opposite Burlington, Vermont.

Schuyler Island
Schuyler Island
Location of Schuyler Island in New York State
Geography
LocationLake Champlain
Coordinates44°29′57″N 73°22′32″W
Area161 acres (65 ha)[1]:6
Administration
StateNew York
CountyEssex
TownChesterfield
OwnerNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Schuyler Island was involved in the 1776 Battle of Valcour during the American Revolutionary War, and is today managed as part of Adirondack Park, with several unimproved campsites available.

History

The island played a brief role during the American Revolutionary War. Following the Battle of Valcour on October 11, 1776, the fleet of American General Benedict Arnold used the island as a location to regroup and commence repairs.[1]:10[3] Two small ships of the fleet that were deemed beyond repair were sunk near the island at this time.[4]

The island passed through a series of private owners during the 19th and early to mid 20th centuries, during which time the island was occasionally farmed. The island became alternately known as "Whitney Island" in reference to the Whitney family, who owned the island between 1891 and 1950. The island was sold to New York State in November 1967, originally intended for inclusion in a regional outdoor recreation complex; however none of the planned improvements were enacted on the island.[1]:10

Public use

The island is today designated as the Schuyler Island Primitive Area within New York's Adirondack Park. It is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.[1] Unimproved camping sites are available and the island is a popular stop for lake boaters.[5] Hunting for whitetail deer and waterfowl is permitted on the island.[1]:37

A light tower is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard on the island.[1]:10[6]

References
  1. "Lake Champlain Islands Complex - Draft Unit Management Plan" (PDF). NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. August 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  2. "Schuyler Island". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  3. E.R. Wallace. Descriptive guide to the Adirondacks, and hand-book of travel. pp. 95–. ISBN 978-5-87209-004-5.
  4. Spears, John Randolph (1897). The History of Our Navy from its Origin to the Present Day, 1775-1897. pp. 100–103. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  5. Mann, Brian (May 25, 2010). "Audio postcard: Kayaking and camping on Lake Champlain's Schuyler Island". North Country Public Radio. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  6. Light List, Volume I, Atlantic Coast, St. Croix River, Maine to Shrewsbury River, New Jersey (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2016. p. 336.


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