Macdonough, << muhk DON uh, >> Thomas (1783-1825), an American naval officer, became a hero of the War of 1812. In 1814, he defeated the British on Lake Champlain at Plattsburgh, New York, in one of the most decisive battles ever fought by the United States Navy. When he took command of the Lake Champlain naval squadron in 1812, he found small, poorly armed vessels that lacked supplies and had untrained crews. After two years of preparations, he entered the harbor at Plattsburgh, carefully stationed his ships, and awaited the British. By fighting at anchor from an advantageous position rather than in open water, he captured the entire British fleet. His victory halted the British invasion of New York state and forced the British Army to retreat into Canada.
Macdonough was born on Dec. 31, 1783, in New Castle County, Delaware. He became a midshipman at 16. Macdonough became commander of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1824. He died on Nov. 10, 1825.
