The story of an Ogdensburg pioneer and the War of 1812
The City of Ogdensburg remembers its early history this weekend. The bicentennial of the Battle of Ogdensburg will be commemorated with...
Ed LaVarnway in the main foyer of the Parish mansion. The grand staircase was actually added decades after David Parish died in 1826. The last Parish family member sold the home in 1879 and it was in private hands until 1923 when its doors opened to the public as the Remington Art Museum. Photo: Todd Moe
Feb 20, 2013 — The City of Ogdensburg remembers its early history this weekend. The bicentennial of the Battle of Ogdensburg will be commemorated with re-enactments and special events at locations in Ogdensburg and Prescott, Ontario. On February 22nd, 1813, British-Canadian forces crossed the frozen St. Lawrence River and attacked the U.S. base in Ogdensburg.
In the first of two conversations about the battle, Todd Moe talks with Ed LaVarnway, executive director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum, which is housed in the historic Parish mansion on Washington Street.
It was built in 1810, and was one of only a few structures in Ogdensburg that wasn't damaged or looted during the attack. LaVarnway is also a local history buff who says David Parish is largely a forgotten figure from the era, but during his lifetime, had a very high profile in Europe, Washington DC and the North Country. Parish was born into a wealthy 18th century banking family.
