Add YOUR Family To This Page

flag  History of Whitehall, New York, USA

Journey back in time to Whitehall, New York, USA

Explore Whitehall, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

Do You Have Whitehall Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Whitehall, New York, USA - Whitehall, New York, USA - Whitehall, N.Y., 1770

Whitehall, Washington, NY

The village of Whitehall is located just south of the point where the Vermont border connects to the south end of Lake Champlain.

The village was founded in 1759 as "Skenesborough" by Major Philip Skene who built the barracks at Crown Point under Gen. Jeffrey Amherst, sold out his commission in the British army to establish the community and the many associated enterprises he planned and later carried out. It was the first settlement at Lake Champlain and became an important trade center. It was on one of two routes between English and French colonies...



Explore even more about Whitehall, New York, USA. Keep reading!



Whitehall Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Whitehall, New York, USA - Whitehall, N.Y., 1770
Whitehall, New York, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Whitehall, N.Y., 1770
Whitehall, New York, USA - Williams Street
Whitehall, New York, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Williams Street
Whitehall, New York, USA - Barge Canal, North, Whitehall, N.Y.
Whitehall, New York, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Barge Canal, North, Whitehall, N.Y.

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to WHITEHALL

Buy it NOW!

I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup

Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug

Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic

Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup

Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!

Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors

Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!

Discover Whitehall: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add History/News/Story
1759 - Whitehall was first called "Skenesborough" in 1759 when it was settled by a land grant to a British officer, Philip Skene (1725-after 1785),
who later returned to England, and who was subsequently declared an enemy of the State of New York for his land dealings. During the French and Indian War, the town was one of two major routes connecting the English and French Colonies.
wikipedia.org
1774 - During the American Revolution, the village, Skenesborough, was captured by American forces in 1774.
Benedict Arnold under Philip Schuyler built a fleet of vessels to confront British forces at Valcour Island (thus the claim that this is the birthplace of the US Navy). The surviving American vessels returned here to be destroyed to keep them from falling into enemy hands. The next year John Burgoyne led his forces through this area en route to the Battle of Saratoga. After the war, the town's name was changed to Whitehall.
wikipedia.org
1812 - (Whitehall, NY) - During the War of 1812 the area was used to build ships to battle British forces on Lake Champlain, culminating at the Battle of Plattsburgh.

wikipedia.org
1823 - (Whitehall, NY) - In 1823, the Champlain Canal was completed to Whitehall.

wikipedia.org
The Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad was extended to Whitehall in 1848.

wikipedia.org
1854 - Whitehall
Whitehall, a flourishing post-village of Washington co., New York, is beautifully situated in Whitehall township, at the head or S. extremity of Lake Champlain, and on the Saratoga and Washington railroad, 77 miles N. by E. from Albany. The Champlain canal terminates here, connecting the village with Troy. Five steamboats ply daily to the ports on the lake during the summer. Pawlet river and Wood creek enter the lake at this place, and furnish extensive water-power. It contains 4 or 6 churches, 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and has an extensive trad* with Canada. Machinery, woollen goods, flour, lumber, and other articles are manufactured. A railroad is projected from this place to Platts- burg. Population of the township, 4726 ; of the village, about 4000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Whitehall
Whitehall, a post-town in Whitehall township, Washington co., N.Y., at the head or S. end of Lake Champlain, 76 miles N. by E. of Albany, 24 miles W. of Rutland, Vt., and about 80 miles S. of Burlington. It is the N. terminus of the Champlain Canal, and is at the junction of two divisions of the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad. It is £ situated in a ravine at the foot of Skene's Mountain and at the mouth of Wood Creek. Several elegant steamboats ply daily (in the season) between White hall and the other ports on the lake. Whitehall is the most populous town in the county. It contains 5 churches, an academy, 3 national banks, a high school, 2 newspaper offices, a machine-shop, and 2 saw-mills. It has an extensive trade in lumber, &c., and has manufactures of brooms, turned wood, sash, blinds, and lumber. Pop. in 1890,4434; of the township, 5402.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Whitehall, a banking post-village in Whitehall town ship (town), Washington co., N.Y., at the bead or S. end of Lake Champlain, 24 miles W. by S. of Rutland, Vt., on the Delaware and Hudson R. and on the Champlain Canal. It is picturesquely situated in a ravine at the foot of Skene's Mountain and at the mouth of Wood Creek. White hall is largely engaged in transportation, and has car- shops, boat-yards, a trade in lumber, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4377 : of the town, 5295.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Because of the actions in 1775 and 1776, the legislature of the State of New York in 1960 declared Whitehall to be the birthplace of the United States Navy.

wikipedia.org
Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Whitehall has something to offer. Here's a list:
Fort Ticonderoga: Just a short drive from Whitehall, Fort Ticonderoga is a must-visit historical attraction. This well-preserved fort played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Explore the grounds, attend reenactments, and take in stunning views of Lake Champlain.

Skenesborough Museum: Learn about Whitehall's rich history at the Skenesborough Museum. It's located in a historic building and showcases the town's maritime and industrial heritage. You'll find artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide insight into the area's past.

Champlain Canal Lock 12: Whitehall sits along the Champlain Canal, and you can observe the operation of Lock 12. It's a unique experience to watch boats navigate this historic waterway. Picnic areas nearby make it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Hiking and Nature Trails: If you're into hiking and nature, Whitehall has some great options. The nearby Adirondack Mountains offer a multitude of trails for... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Whitehall Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Whitehall, New York, USA

We currently have information about 32 ancestors who were born or died in Whitehall.

View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)



Ancestors Who Were Married in Whitehall, New York, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Whitehall.

View Them Now

Not the place you are looking for? Try again!

Search for YOUR Family by Place

To search for a place, specify place name below. Choose name from the list. Then SEARCH.
*Place Name:


Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Visit Our Store

Ancestry Family Tree Search

Search for YOUR Family by Name

NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.

First Name (and Middle Name if applicable):
*Last Name:
Gender:
Born (+/- 2 years):
Died (+/- 2 years):
Match all terms exactly:

Updated: 9/17/2023 7:21:12 PM