Brick Tavern: Historical Marker

The Brick Tavern, built in 1801, was the successor to two wooden buildings erected by Lester Sampson in the 1790s, both of which were lost to fire. The building is on what is now Stratton Hill Road, but at the time was the East State Road, the main north-south route between Plattsburgh and Chazy. This small settlement was known as Sampson's until 1854, when it acquired a post office and was given the name Ingraham in honor of a now-obscure naval hero.

The Brick Tavern as it looked in the 1960s

In early September 1814, as many as 10,000 British troops crossed the border from Canada into New York and began marching south towards Plattsburgh. At Chazy, they split into two wings, with one heading west via Fiske Road towards West Chazy and Beekmantown, and a smaller group continuing south. These troops, perhaps 4,000 of them plus camp followers, camped at Ingraham on the night of September 5. The British officers used the Brick Tavern as their lodging for the night, while the soldiers slept in the neighboring fields.

Advertisement for Ye Old Brick Tavern, 1929

After this brief period of excitement, the Brick Tavern settled back down to its usual routine as a site for lodging, hospitality, and commerce. Lester Sampson died in 1828 and the business was taken over by a series of other proprietors. For many years it was a popular dance hall. It continued to operate as a tavern until 1948, when the building was converted into apartments.

The historic marker was erected in 1983 by the New York State Highway Department.