Sackets Harbor, New York

Few communities in the United States have played as significant a role in American military history as Sackets Harbor. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Jefferson County, this picturesque waterfront village transformed almost overnight from a small frontier settlement into the headquarters of the United States Navy and Army on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Today, Sackets Harbor is recognized as one of America’s most important War of 1812 sites, while also serving as one of Northern New York’s premier destinations for boating, tourism, fine dining, waterfront recreation, and historic preservation.

Founded in 1801 by Augustus Sackett, whose surname gave the village its name, the community was originally spelled Sacket’s Harbor, Sackets Harbour, and Sacketts Harbor in early maps and documents before the modern spelling, Sackets Harbor, became standard. Located on the protected waters of Black River Bay, the harbor quickly developed into an important commercial shipping center because of its deep natural harbor, abundant timber resources, and strategic location just across Lake Ontario from Upper Canada.

When the War of 1812 erupted, Sackets Harbor became the most important American military installation on the Great Lakes. Thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines, civilian craftsmen, and shipbuilders flooded into the village as the United States established its naval headquarters here. Massive warships were constructed at Navy Point under Commodore Isaac Chauncey, while Army forces used the village as their principal base for operations against British Canada. By early 1813, Sackets Harbor had become the largest community in New York State north of the Mohawk River.

The village successfully defended itself during two major British attacks. The First Battle of Sackets Harbor on July 19, 1812, saw American shore batteries and the brig USS Oneida repel British naval forces. Less than a year later, on May 29, 1813, British and Canadian troops landed at Horse Island in an attempt to destroy the American naval shipyard and military supplies. Although portions of the naval yard and supply depots were burned by retreating American forces, the British attack ultimately failed, preserving Sackets Harbor as the principal American naval base on Lake Ontario for the remainder of the war.

Following the War of 1812, Sackets Harbor continued its military importance through Madison Barracks, one of the oldest continuously occupied military posts in the United States. Soldiers stationed there served during nearly every major American conflict through World War II. Today, many of the beautifully restored limestone officers’ quarters and military buildings remain among the village’s most recognizable landmarks.

Modern Sackets Harbor is one of Northern New York’s most visited communities. Its historic downtown features locally owned restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, inns, marinas, parks, and waterfront walking trails overlooking Black River Bay and Lake Ontario. The Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the battlefield, Navy Yard, and defensive earthworks, allowing visitors to experience the place where American history was forever changed. Throughout the year, the village hosts festivals, concerts, sailing events, fishing tournaments, historical reenactments, and one of the region’s largest Fourth of July celebrations.

Beyond its military legacy, Sackets Harbor remains one of the North Country’s premier boating destinations. The harbor provides access to Lake Ontario, the Thousand Islands, and the St. Lawrence River while serving as a favorite stop for recreational boaters from both the United States and Canada.

The Watertown Post provides continuing coverage of Sackets Harbor, including village government, tourism, history, waterfront development, boating, fishing, community events, business, public safety, and the ongoing preservation of one of America’s most historic villages.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Village of Sackets Harbor

County: Jefferson County, New York

Region: Eastern Lake Ontario

Founded: 1801

Village Incorporated: 1814

Named For: Augustus Sackett

Population: Approximately 1,350 residents (2020 Census)

Distance to Watertown: Approximately 10 miles

Major Waterways:

• Lake Ontario
• Black River Bay

Primary Industries:

• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Boating
• Marina Services
• Historic Preservation
• Small Business

Major Attractions:

• Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
• Madison Barracks
• Navy Point
• Historic Downtown
• Black River Bay
• Lake Ontario Waterfront
• Village Marina

Popular Activities:

• Boating
• Sailing
• Fishing
• History Tours
• Museums
• Waterfront Dining
• Festivals
• Walking Tours

Related Topics

• War of 1812
• Battle of Sackets Harbor
• Madison Barracks
• Augustus Sackett
• Commodore Isaac Chauncey
• Brigadier General Zebulon Pike
• Horse Island
• Black River Bay
• Lake Ontario
• Jefferson County
• Watertown
• Henderson Harbor
• Cape Vincent
• Thousand Islands
• Military History
• Historic Preservation
• Boating
• Tourism

Latest Watertown Post Coverage

Browse below for the latest Watertown Post reporting on Sackets Harbor, including village government, War of 1812 history, tourism, boating, waterfront development, business, festivals, community events, public safety, and everything happening in one of America’s most historic waterfront villages.