Plattsburgh

Seat of Clinton County, northeastern New York State, USA, at the mouth of the Saranac River, on the western shore of Lake Champlain. 32 km/20 mi south of the Québec border; population (1990) 21,300. It is a base for the Champlain resort area and the hub of a rich agricultural area, with the world's largest McIntosh apple orchards. Papermaking is long-established, and pulp and plastic products are also manufactured. Milk processing is a significant industry. Other facilities include the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh (1899) and Plattsburgh Air Force Base (1955).

Plattsburgh developed as a lumbering and papermaking centre, utilizing the region's abundant waterpower. During the American Revolution and the War of 1812 several important battles were fought in the area, including a naval engagement off Valcour Island in 1776, 8 km/5 mi to the southeast.