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Plattsburgh (town), New York facts for kids

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This page is about the suburban Town of Plattsburgh. For the city which it surrounds, see Plattsburgh, New York.
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Plattsburgh
Town
Town of Plattsburgh
Cumberland Head on Lake Champlain
Cumberland Head on Lake Champlain
Location in Clinton County and the U.S. state of New York
Plattsburgh is located in New York
Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh
Location in New York
Country United States
State New York
County Clinton
Government
 • Type Town Council
Area
 • Total 68.2 sq mi (176.7 km2)
 • Land 45.9 sq mi (118.9 km2)
 • Water 22.3 sq mi (57.7 km2)
Elevation
276 ft (84 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 11,886
 • Density 258/sq mi (99.8/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
12901, 12903
Area code(s) 518
FIPS code 36-58585
GNIS feature ID 0979377

Plattsburgh is a town in Clinton County, New York, United States. It had a population of 11,886 people in 2020. The town is named after Zephaniah Platt, who was an early landowner. It completely surrounds the separate and larger City of Plattsburgh. The town is located in the eastern part of Clinton County, within the North Country region of New York State. The area's main airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, is found in the southern part of the town.

A Look Back: Plattsburgh's History

The town of Plattsburgh was first created in 1785. However, over time, parts of it were used to form other towns in the county. These new towns included Peru (in 1792), Beekmantown (in 1820), Saranac (in 1824), and Schuyler Falls (in 1848). The village of Plattsburgh was officially formed within the town in 1815. It later became a city in 1902.

A very important event, the Battle of Plattsburgh, happened here in 1814. This battle was fought on Lake Champlain during the War of 1812.

Exploring Plattsburgh's Geography

The United States Census Bureau states that the town of Plattsburgh covers a total area of about 68.2 square miles (176.7 square kilometers). Of this, about 45.9 square miles (118.9 square kilometers) is land. The remaining 22.3 square miles (57.7 square kilometers), which is about 32.68% of the total area, is water.

The town is located right next to Lake Champlain. This large lake separates Plattsburgh from the state of Vermont on the other side. The Saranac River flows through the town towards the east, eventually emptying into Lake Champlain.

Major Roads and Highways

Several important highways pass through the town. These include:

  • The Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87)
  • U.S. Route 9
  • New York State Route 22
  • New York State Route 3
  • New York State Route 22B
  • New York State Route 374
  • New York State Route 190 (which crosses NY-22B and NY-374)

Plattsburgh's Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1820 3,519 —
1830 4,913 39.6%
1840 6,416 30.6%
1850 5,618 −12.4%
1860 6,680 18.9%
1870 8,414 26.0%
1880 8,283 −1.6%
1890 2,490 −69.9%
1900 3,178 27.6%
1910 2,362 −25.7%
1920 2,085 −11.7%
1930 2,132 2.3%
1940 3,163 48.4%
1950 3,713 17.4%
1960 13,390 260.6%
1970 15,881 18.6%
1980 16,384 3.2%
1990 17,231 5.2%
2000 11,184 −35.1%
2010 11,870 6.1%
2020 11,886 0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

In the year 2000, there were 11,190 people living in the town. These people lived in 4,367 households, with 3,091 of them being families. The population density was about 244.9 people per square mile (94.6 people per square kilometer).

About 33.8% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (55.0%) were married couples living together. About 21.9% of all households were individuals living alone.

The population was spread out by age:

  • 25.6% were under 18 years old.
  • 7.6% were between 18 and 24.
  • 29.7% were between 25 and 44.
  • 25% were between 45 and 64.
  • 12.2% were 65 years or older.

The average age of people in the town was 37 years.

Communities and Places in Plattsburgh

The town of Plattsburgh is home to several smaller communities and interesting locations:

  • Cadyville – A small village in the southwest, located on NY-3 and the Saranac River.
  • Champlain Park – A small village on Cumberland Head in the northeast.
  • Cliff Haven – A neighborhood by Lake Champlain, just south of the City of Plattsburgh.
  • Colligan Point – A spot on the eastern side of Cumberland Head.
  • Crab Island – A small island and state park in Lake Champlain, east of Cliff Haven.
  • Cumberland Bay – A bay of Lake Champlain, with the City of Plattsburgh on its western shore.
  • Cumberland Bay State Park – A state park in the northeast part of the town, on Cumberland Head.
  • Cumberland Head – A peninsula that sticks out into Lake Champlain.
  • Elsinor – A small village on the western town line, along NY-3 and the Saranac River.
  • Everest Rabideau Park – A park located on Cumberland Head.
  • Halseys Corners – A small village near the City of Plattsburgh, close to the Northway.
  • Lawless Corners – A small village on the northern border of the town, north of West Plattsburgh.
  • Martin Point – A spot on the eastern side of Cumberland Head.
  • Morrisonville – A village partly located at the southern town line, on NY-22B and the Saranac River.
  • Plattsburgh – The City of Plattsburgh is located within what was once the central part of the town.
  • Plattsburgh International Airport – This is the main airport for the area. It's built on the site of the old Plattsburgh Air Force Base, south of the City of Plattsburgh.
  • Pleasant Ridge Corners – A small village southwest of the city and north of South Plattsburgh.
  • Rocky Point – A small village on Cumberland Head.
  • South Junction – A small village near Lake Champlain in the southeast.
  • South Plattsburgh – A small village near the town line in the southeast, on NY-22.
  • Valcour Island – The northern tip of this island is within the town's boundaries.
  • West Plattsburgh – A small village in the north-central part of the town on NY-374.
  • Woodruff Pond – A small lake north of Cumberland Head.

Census-Designated Places

Some areas within the town are also recognized as Census-Designated Places (CDPs). These are specific areas identified by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes:

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