Town gets new logo
PLATTSBURGH — The Town of Plattsburgh has a new look.
The town’s new logo symbolizes a nod to its rich history, great heritage and a look to a promising future.
It is a bold print of a historic battleship on the lake that washes ashore in the town with its born-on date of 1785.
It also features a pair of wings in honor of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base that sat in the town for more than 40 years, and remains a vital part of the town, which includes Plattsburgh International Airport.
“I think it’s critical for a township to be able to distinguish itself among its sister municipalities, and to find opportunities to present its history, and that’s what this seal does,” Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said.
“I specifically am very, very proud of the fact that we found a way to give a nod to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base.”
The new logo was put together through the collaborative efforts of Sidekick Creative and the town’s Public Advisory Committee.
“At the heart of this reimagined brand lies a profound homage to Plattsburgh’s historical importance, seamlessly blending elements from its storied past with nods to iconic chapters of our story,” a town news release said.
“The primary logo, adorned with a ship modeled after the Saratoga commemorating the Battle of Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain, stands as a testament to the town’s resilience and enduring legacy. She served as Commodore Thomas Macdonough’s flagship during the Battle of Lake Champlain, also known as the Battle of Plattsburgh.”
The Saratoga was 143 feet long and had a complement of 212 officers and men. For armament, she had eight 24-pounder guns, six 42-pounder carronades, and twelve 32-pounder carronades.
On Sept. 11, 1814, during the Battle of Lake Champlain, Commodore Thomas Macdonough anchored his ships in a position that the British squadron attacked head-on, using only a few guns at a time and suffering heavily on approach.
After two and a half hours, the British squadron was defeated, thus depriving them of Canadian supplies and ending the final invasion of the British in the northern states and effectively bringing an end to the war.
The new logo will eventually replace the old standard, which features a lighthouse on Cumberland Head.
Cashman said the lighthouse is nice, but it is on private property and does not necessarily connect with people like the Battle of Plattsburgh does.
“And as we have continued to engage with the public through various programs and projects we have received considerable feedback over the years that a modernized brand that captures the spirit of the historical relevance of our township would be something that the committee would celebrate.”
There is also an alternative logo featuring the Champy monogram, celebrating the mythical creature of Lake Champlain while injecting a whimsical charm into the town’s visual narrative.
“Plattsburgh takes great pride in hosting the Pomeroy Foundation Legends and Lore Marker on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, deepening its connection to the region’s rich folklore,” the town said.
Cashman said the rebranding effort will be implemented primarily digitally to start. Noticeable changes will include updated graphics on the website, email signatures, letterheads, social media, and, notably, the Town’s Developer’s Guide.
A transition to town vehicles and select town signs will follow. The former lighthouse seal will continue to serve as a legacy marker, albeit gradually replaced where and when appropriate with the new design.
“You’re going to see it in all the places that you would anticipate that you would that you would see the former town seal, but it’s very important to know that that will remain a legacy marker for the town,” Cashman said.
