
Whitehall
Rich in history and natural beauty, Whitehall boasts scenic trailways and waterways, historical sites, outdoor activities and much more. It’s strategic location on the New York-Vermont border allowed the town to become the birthplace of the US Navy.
Formerly known as Skenesborough, Whitehall takes advantage of its location by giving visitors a tremendous visual experience and quick access to Lake Champlain, one of the Northeast’s crown jewel lakes.

The History of Whitehall, NY

1700s
Originally known as Skenesborough, this colonial town was founded by British Army Captain Philip Skene, becoming the first settlement on Lake Champlain and a trade center. In 1776, General Philip Schuyler built a small fleet of ships here, leading to Whitehall’s modern-day claim to be the birthplace of the United States Navy.
1800s
Whitehall was a major hub for travellers heading north via steamships on Lake Champlain. Completion of the Champlain Canal in 1823 and a rail line from Saratoga in 1848 ushered in the heyday of “rail-to-steamship” travel in the region.

1800s
Whitehall was a major hub for travelers heading north via steamships on Lake Champlain. Completion of the Champlain Canal in 1823 and a rail line from Saratoga in 1848 ushered in the heyday of “rail-to-steamship” travel in the region.

Today
Whitehall’s proximity to Vermont and Lake Champlain make it a bustling community, with travelers enjoying the historic buildings, like Skene Manor and the Armory, and making use of the canalway connection to the lake.




Plan Your Trip to Whitehall
Whitehall Farmer’s Market
The New Tavern at Lock 12
Skenesborough Waterfront Community Park
Serena Kovalosky Studios & Eco-Garden
Saddles State Forest
Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House
Putorti’s Broadway Market
Patties Patch
Lake Champlain Blueway Trail – Whitehall to South Bay (Chubbs Dock, Dresden)

Events in Whitehall
Stay up to date with events in Whitehall and throughout Washington County
How to Get to Whitehall
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