Sackets Harbor Mansion - Sackets Harbor, New York - War of 1812 on Waymarking.com

In 1801 Augustus Sacket purchased at public sale a considerable portion of the town of Hounsfield, including all that now comprises the village tract. In 1810 he came to Hounsfield township to develop and dispose of his vast tract of land, and lived in the village for many years in the mansion he built not far from the harbor. During the war years, the mansion was used as a hospital for injured soldiers and sailors.

Mr. Sacket came to area with a large number of his employees and began the necessary improvements to attract settlers. The mill he built, stood near the mouth of a stream known as Mill creek. About this time, in 1804, Elisha Camp, who was brother in-law to Judge Sacket, came to the settlement and was appointed resident land agent.
He engaged actively in this work and succeeded in attracting to the village many men and enterprises of value. In the meantime, other events of a military nature were taking place. Soon, all growth and interests was to be dwarfed in importance by the struggle and confusion of another war with Great Britain.

In 1811 he organized an artillery company, and was an important factor in the success of the American arms in the war which followed. Later on in establishing schools, academies and churches his generosity was appreciated all through the county.

In 1816 he was one of the company which built the Ontario, the first steamer on the lake, and the success of the enterprise stimulated other efforts in the same direction until the harbor as a ship building and general navigation point rivaled any on the lake. Sacket had become customs officer, and the harbor was perhaps one of the most important places in the county, with the growth during the next four or five years being was rapid.

Perhaps the most eventful period in the history of Sackets Harbor was that of the "War of 1812". At the outbreak of the war, the village had no defenses whatever, and only the old brig ship "Oneida" with an armament of sixteen guns, was available to defend the harbor. On the other hand, the British were well prepared for battle, and threatened the harbor with destruction with an overpowering fleet. Colonel Camp soon organized an artillery company, and another colonel, Colonel Bellinger, was sent to assist in defending the village. Ordinances and military stores were badly needed, and a letter asking for these supplies was sent to the governor of New York. In the meantime, while awaiting their arrival, Fort Tompkins was built, and afterward became one of the most historic fortifications on the frontier.

during the period of the war, several other forts were constructed in this immediate vicinity, and the village was the central point for both military and naval operations, with hundreds and sometimes thousands of troops and marines quartered and rendezvoused here. Three times, the village was threatened with British invasion, and on one occasion (May 29, 1813) the historic battle of Sackets Harbor was fought with disastrous results to the enemy. Soon, the efforts of the Americans were rewarded, and a long era of peace followed.

(Above information taken from: "History of Hounsfield, NY" website).

Date Erected/Dedicated: 1810 Who put it there? Private/Government?: Founded by Augustus Sacket - private Location/Address: 100 West Main Street Sackets Harbor, NY USA 13685 County/Province: Jefferson County Website (related) if available: [Web Link] Rate the Site: Photos Will Be Uploaded: yes Hours or Restrictions if Appropiate: Not listed

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