Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is located on the eastern end of Lake Ontario and is recognized by the National Park Service as one of the ‘top War of 1812 sites’ in the nation due to its remarkable integrity (NY402, Class A). The natural harbor, located in Haudenosaunee territory, was a strategic location for the American military during “The Second War for Independence” and became an important site for shipbuilding and served as a military hub that drew thousands of troops and dispersed materials throughout the North Country.

The wealth of existing historiography invites a broad range of relevant local stories interwoven with the state historic site’s story. There are stories of Women’s Suffrage such as Mrs. Frances “Frank” Metcalf, the only woman to hold the honor of being a US Navy yard caretaker and Anna Mac Quaid Mason, New York State’s first female mayor. There are also stories of Black history including the servicemen who made up a large portion of the US Navy during the War of 1812. “Voices and Votes” will be located at the site’s 1817 Union Hotel Building that holds over 200 years of both military and civilian history where stories of democracy that call Sackets Harbor home will be shared.