Plattsburgh Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) base covering 3,447 acres (13.7 km²) in the extreme northeast corner of New York, 20 miles (32 km) south of the Canada–United States border, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain opposite Burlington, Vermont, in the city of Plattsburgh, New York.The base closed on 25 September 1995, pursuant to the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. Sec. 2687 note) and the recommendations of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. It is now a civilian airport and industrial complex, operated by the Plattsburgh Air Base Development Authority. The airfield is now known as Plattsburgh International Airport.GeographyPlattsburgh AFB is bordered by the city of Plattsburgh and the Saranac River to the north and the Salmon River to the south. It lies on the western shore of Lake Champlain on the New York-Vermont border.HistoryMilitary Presence Before the BasePlattsburgh was the oldest military post in the United States. The U.S. has maintained a military presence at the site of the now closed base since December 30, 1814.In particular: On Dec. 30, 1814, the Federal Government purchased 200 acres for the construction of the "Plattsburgh Barracks". In 1838, additional parcels of land were acquired and stone barracks were built to house the personnel. During the Civil War, Union troops organized and departed from the base. During the Spanish-American War, the 21st Infantry was transferred from Plattsburgh Barracks to Cuba in June 1898. The troops returned to Plattsburgh in September 1898. During the Interwar period, Plattsburgh Barracks was the home of the 26th Infantry Regiment of the "Iron first " division. In 1944, it was turned over to the Navy and became "Camp MacDonough", an indoctrination school for officers. After the war, from March 1946 to 1953, the base was used for college student housing for area colleges and extensions schools.
