Crab Island

My photo today is the island I see off my back deck, and though I’ve posted photos of it before, I don’t think I’ve ever shared its story.

This is Crab Island, one of my family’s favorite places to picnic on the rocks and check out fossils.  It’s about a mile by kayak in summer or cross country skis in winter, and it’s one of the most historical spots on Lake Champlain.

Crab Island was a hospital during the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814 — part of the War of 1812.  Before the September 11th battle, hundreds of sick soldiers were cared for here.  On the eve of the battle, they were moved to Burlington, and after the battle, Crab Island became a graveyard for both British and American troops who were reportedly buried together in trenches on the north end of the island.  A simple monument honors the fallen, though the graves remain unmarked and thankfully, undisturbed.

Be sure to check out

cynthialord

‘s journal for a full list of bloggers posting photographs of their hometowns this week.   I’ll be posting an extra-special photo of my neighborhood’s Fourth of July tradition tomorrow.

And thank you so much for all the birthday wishes!   Did you know that Elizabeth Bunce, author of the fabulous A Curse Dark As Gold,  is a July 3rd girl, too?    You can head over to her LJ (

elizabethcbunce

), send along good wishes, and pick up  her recipe for peanut butter cake while you’re at it.