TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA, New York (WWNY) – New York state is investigating whether a culvert in the town of Alexandria is linked to the War of 1812.
Stephen Sourwine has been going to town meeting after town meeting, hoping to keep the small stone culvert relevant and stop the town of Alexandria from taking it out.
“I’m still at the point myself where I want to save it because I think this is another historic site,” Sourwine said.
Local historians believe the culvert, sitting near Sourwine’s property, was used by soldiers during the War of 1812 after a fight at the nearby Cranberry Creek.
Town’s position shifts
Since Sourwine spoke up in defense of the culvert last fall, progress toward tearing it down has stalled and the town board’s opinion may have changed.
“We would like to preserve the historical aspect, but we really need to wait and hear from the state on that,” Alexandria Supervisor Brent Sweet said.
The culvert’s historical significance and structural integrity are still in question.
State involvement
The state Department of Transportation and the State Historic Preservation Office, also known as SHPO, have become involved, checking those details.
“We haven’t heard anything and that’s why we’re waiting to hear something from the state or from SHPO,” Sweet said.
“It’s kind of a just a wait-and-see game right now,” Sourwine said.
Future plans
Sourwine said if the state confirms the culvert’s history, he would like to work with government officials to make a pathway incorporating the nearby battlefield, gravesite and the culvert.
“This township is in desperate need of family outings and between this, the gravesite, and the actual battlefield, I think we could build another family activity for people to come to Alex Bay and enjoy,” Sourwine said.
SHPO and the state Department of Transportation did not respond to requests for comment.
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.