Schuyler Island facts for kids
 Schuyler Island
Location in New York
Location of Schuyler Island in New York State
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Champlain |
| Coordinates | 44°29′57″N 73°22′32″W / 44.49917°N 73.37556°W |
| Area | 161 acres (65 ha) |
| Administration | |
| State | New York |
| County | Essex |
| Town | Chesterfield |
| Owner | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
Schuyler Island, also called Schuyler's Island or Whitney Island, is a 161-acre island in Lake Champlain. No one lives on this island. It is part of the Town of Chesterfield in Essex County, New York. The island is located between Port Kent, New York and Willsboro Bay. It is across the lake from Burlington, Vermont.
Schuyler Island played a role in the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island during the American Revolutionary War. Today, it is part of Adirondack Park. You can find several simple campsites there.
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Island History: A Look Back
Schuyler Island was important during the American Revolutionary War. After the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776, American General Benedict Arnold and his fleet used the island. They gathered there to fix their ships. Two small ships that were too damaged to fix were sunk near the island.
Who Owned the Island?
Over the years, different people owned the island. This happened during the 1800s and early 1900s. Sometimes, people even farmed on the island. The island was also known as "Whitney Island." This name came from the Whitney family, who owned it from 1891 to 1950.
In November 1967, New York State bought the island. The state planned to make it part of a large outdoor park. However, these plans never happened on the island.
Visiting Schuyler Island Today
Today, Schuyler Island is called the Schuyler Island Primitive Area. It is part of New York's Adirondack Park. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages the island.
What Can You Do There?
You can find simple camping spots on the island. It is a popular place for people who boat on the lake. If you like hunting, you can hunt for whitetail deer and waterfowl there.
Island Lighthouse
The U.S. Coast Guard takes care of a light tower on the island. This light helps boats navigate the lake.]
