Plattsburgh discusses raising Revolutionary War ship ‘Spitfire’ out of Lake Champlain

By Alek LaShomb
Published: Apr. 25, 2024

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) - Talks continue over raising the “Spitfire,” a gunboat under Benedict Arnold’s command during the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776.

Underwater archaeologist Art Cohn was on the team in 1997 that discovered the boat’s location at the bottom of Lake Champlain. Back in 2017, the idea of raising the ship was floated around and now he says those talks are ramping up.

“I have been doing this work for over 40 years, I have never recommended a boat be recovered until now. We have identified four studies we are ready to do, four contracts to do our due diligence,” said Cohn.

He says the studies include engineering, a business plan, conservation for when the boat is removed from the lake, and a look at an exhibition facility for a permanent display. All four studies, he says, are primed and ready for funding. But first, he says researchers want to take another dive into the lake to inspect the American treasure.

”We have just applied for a permit to inspect the boat again this year, film it, and determine what the state of the mussels are,” said Cohn.

He says it would take another 15 years to raise the ship and more than $40 million stretched out over time. Cohn also reaffirms his belief that the ship should remain in the North Country where it was built and faced battle, something Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest says would be a big boost for the area.

“It is a major attraction and whenever we have new things like this, it will be a boost to the local economy and attract more tourists here,” said Rosenquest.

Cohn says it would keep the past alive for posterity. “It would be our legacy for preserving that, the foundation days of this country, and I think that would be a great thing to do,” he said.

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