[2][3] Plattsburgh Bay is located in the northern third of Lake Champlain, on its western shore opposite Grand Isle.

[3] In September 1814, Plattsburgh came under attack by British forces from Canada seeking to gain territory for advantage in peace talks which were then ongoing.

The city was occupied by British land forces on September 6, and preparations were made for a decisive sea battle for control of the lake.

American ships were arrayed across the mouth of the bay between Cumberland Head and Crab Island, and won a decisive victory over the British fleet.

A limestone obelisk 135 feet (41 m) in height, it honors Captain Thomas Macdonough, leader of the American naval forces in the battle.