Which American general commanded the defense of Plattsburgh?

Alexander Macomb commanded the American defense of Plattsburgh during the Battle of Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814. He led the land forces defending the New York town while Thomas Macdonough commanded the American squadron on Lake Champlain.

Macomb had only about 1,500 regular troops after Major General George Izard took most of the Northern Army toward Sackett’s Harbor. He strengthened the position by calling out New York and Vermont militia and improving trenches, redoubts, blockhouses, and other fieldworks along the Saranac River.

A much larger British army under Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost advanced on Plattsburgh. Macomb’s defenders used delaying actions, blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and created misleading routes to slow the invasion. The decisive factor was the simultaneous American naval victory on Lake Champlain, which denied Prevost the supply and support needed for a sustained land assault.

Prevost therefore withdrew to Canada. Macomb was celebrated as the “Hero of Plattsburgh,” promoted to major general, and awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Macdonough’s naval command was equally essential, but Macomb was the army commander on land.