The statue of Champlain, which is nearly twelve feet high and of bronze, represents him in his soldier costume holding in his hand the arquebuse of which he speaks in his memoirs. This and his breastplate, helmet or morion, cloak, doublet, boots, and sword follow carefully the style of his period: the arquebuse, morion and sword being modelled after the ancient pieces in the collection of Hon. Howland Pell.
The monument was designed by Dillon, McLellan & Beadel, the architects of the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse at Crown Point Forts, and the sculpture was done by Carl A. Heber, who modelled the Crown Point memorial figures.
Champlain Statue at Plattsburgh
Crouching Indian at Base of Champlain Statue at Plattsburgh
Contracts were let to Booth Brothers and Hurricane Isle Granite Company for the granite work of the Plattsburgh Memorial, which was to be built of Massachusetts pink granite and also for the bronze tablet, steps, coping, etc., and to Carl A. Heber, the sculptor for the bronze statue of Champlain and for the models of the Indian, canoe prow and garlands. The approximate cost of the entire memorial, including architects’ fees, was $20,263.51. This memorial was completed in time for dedication on July 6, 1912. It is a stately and dignified memorial after an original design, about 34 feet high and rising 61½ feet above the level of the lake, and so located as to be readily seen from the decks of passenger steamers entering the port of Plattsburgh. As a work of art, it will stand comparison with any of the memorials to Samuel Champlain in this country.
Champlain Memorial at Crown Point Forts Nearing Completion