Lakes to Locks Passage
Skenesborough Museum, NY

Whitehall, once known as Skenesborough, was settled in 1759 as an early trading center. It saw British and French activity during the French and Indian Wars, and its harbor was the place of the first aggressive action of the Revolution in New York State. There, Benedict Arnold's men took possession of aschooner which became the first ship of the U.S. Navy. Thus, Whitehall was the birthplace of the U.S. Navy. The first U.S. ships were constructed here and sailed with Arnold in 1776 to Lake Champlain, where the fleet's action at Valcour Island slowed British advances by a critical year.

Whitehall's Main Street has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Museum reflects the rich history of the town. Collections include toys, tools, railroad and canal memorabilia, and Revolutionary War artifacts. The museum features dioramas, wooden boat models, artifacts and 19th Century life.