Macomb
Mountain
A Good Read SIMPLY SERIES
View from Top of Macomb
Mountain in Dix Range in the
Adirondack Mountains
Written By ROBERT C. LAWRENCE
Part of the "What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?" Series
While kayaking on beautiful Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, NY, one June day, my wife Carol Ann asked, "Where does Blue Mountain get its name?" So we visited the nearby Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake to buy a place names book. But there was no such publication. So... I wrote What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?
The history of the Adirondacks is closely linked to that of the United States. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary this July 4th, we have an opportunity to honor the many individuals, both prominent and lesser known, who shaped our country. Many of their names are found throughout the Adirondack Mountains.
The Adirondack Mountains reflect America’s diversity, particularly in the names of their peaks. Some are named for leaders, scientists, writers, businesspeople, surveyors, and soldiers, while others honor conservationists, guides, public servants, presidents, secretaries of state, doctors, activists, landowners, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and war heroes. Macomb Mountain is among these, named for a distinguished hero.
To understand the origin of Macomb Mountain’s name, we look at the story of Alexander Macomb. Born in Detroit in 1782, when it was under British rule, he was the son of a successful merchant and fur trader. After the Revolutionary War, the family relocated to New York City. Alexander attended school in Newark, New Jersey, and later graduated from West Point.
Photo: Dogberry via summitpost.org
The slide ascending Macomb was likely
the most popular route to the summit.
Alexander Macomb
After graduating from West Point, Macomb began his military career as an officer in the Corps of Engineers. His leadership and planning abilities led to rapid advancement. He contributed to the construction of coastal defenses and frontier posts. By the War of 1812, he had achieved the rank of colonel.
Macomb’s skills were put to the test during the War of 1812, when he led American troops at the Battle of Plattsburgh in September 1814. He oversaw about 1,500 regular soldiers, militia, and volunteers who defended Plattsburgh, New York, against a much larger British force led by General Sir George Prevost. Macomb used smart tactics, such as building field defenses, creating dead-end roads, and moving his troops around to confuse the enemy, which slowed the British attack. Meanwhile, on Lake Champlain, Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough also faced tough odds but used his own strategies to defeat the British. The British attack ended on September 11, 1814, with an American victory. Macomb was praised and called "the Hero of Plattsburgh" by some American journalists. He was promoted to major-general for his actions and received formal thanks from Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.
The American victory at Plattsburgh marked a turning point in the war. It halted the British campaign in the north and enabled the United States to secure more favorable terms in the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war on December 24, 1814, in Ghent, United Netherlands (now Belgium). This success also advanced Macomb’s military career.
Each September, the Battle of Plattsburgh is commemorated with events in downtown Plattsburgh with activities for all.
Following the victory at Plattsburgh, Alexander Macomb became Commanding General of the United States Army in 1828, a position he held until his death. Despite limited resources during peacetime, he maintained the Army’s effectiveness, implemented significant reforms, and enhanced the professionalism of the officer corps. He improved the Army’s organization and training, established the first court-martial rules, initiated the establishment of Army pensions, and advocated for death benefits for soldiers’ spouses.
Alexander Macomb’s legacy endures in places such as Macomb Mountain, Macomb Reservation State Park, and Macomb Residence Hall at SUNY Plattsburgh. More importantly, his leadership and service continue to be respected. As we reflect on 250 years of history in the Adirondacks and beyond, Macomb’s story encourages us to honor those who have shaped, and will continue to shape, our nation’s future.
Author’s Note: Thank you to Brooke Dubuque, a member of the Board of Directors of 1814 Commemoration Inc., Battle of Plattsburgh, for contributions to this article.
