Dynamite in Fort Edward during World War 1! Presentation by R. Paul McCarty Fort Edward Town Historian

In 2008 during the construction of the Dewatering Plant along the West side of the Champlain Canal going North in Fort Edward, an area loaded with dynamite was uncovered during this excavation project. In most cases, the dynamite was buried at great depth underneath the ground, almost 45 feet down according to David King, EPA regional director. During the War (1917-1918) the state of New York New Champlain Barge Canal was taken over by the federal government. During 1918, the Locks 7 and 8 were guarded by a branch of our National Guard of New York State. Ironically, even though the federal government took over the Canal, New York State continued to pay for it’s maintenance and upkeep. It was actually in 1921 that the Canal was finally given back to the people of New York State. The amount of dynamite would have done severe damage to several areas in Fort Edward. It was thought that they would use it to dynamite the rail yard, Canal locks, and potentially the railroad bridges in Fort Edward as a means of defense, and they had enough dynamite to do it. The talk will be well illustrated and will be given on March 28^th at 7 pm at the Fort Edward Free Library.”

Seating is limited and reservations will begin on Monday March 25th, 2024.   When leaving your name, phone number, and those attending on the answering machine, please speak clearly.