Our History

We are located in the Champlain Valley amid the historic allure of two 18th-century British and French-built forts nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain. Intricately intertwined with regional and North American history, these forts are a source of inspiration with their rich heritage built within the breathtaking landscape.


Home of the original US Navy fleet, the furthest north George Washington ever traveled, the start of the Knox Cannon Trail that ended the Siege of Boston, and the birthplace of the electric age are just a few of the notable events that occurred on our doorstep.

Restoration

A restored landmark built in 1820.

Our building was used as a sawmill when a dammed creek formed a pond behind the site. Although many alterations have occurred over the last 200 years, the core remains one of the oldest structures of its kind, as referenced in ‘A Guide to Architecture in the Adirondacks.’

Numerous ownership changes took place since 1820. In the 20th century, Crown Point Cooperative G.L.F. Service (GLF) produced lumber and wood products on the property. The oldest photographs we have are from this period.

Numerous ownership changes took place since 1820. In the 20th century, Crown Point Cooperative G.L.F. Service (GLF) produced lumber and wood products on the property. The oldest photographs we have are from this period.

The GLF was sold to a former employee in 1957 and became a grain and feed store. It then sold in 2000 and reopened as a hardware store and feed business until 2008.

The GLF was sold to a former employee in 1957 and became a grain and feed store. It then sold in 2000 and reopened as a hardware store and feed business until 2008.

War Cannon Spirits acquired the site in 2016. Due to two centuries of heavy use, the building was in dire structural condition. Most engineers believed it could not or should not be saved and that it should be demolished. This was not cost-effective

War Cannon Spirits acquired the site in 2016. Due to two centuries of heavy use, the building was in dire structural condition. Most engineers believed it could not or should not be saved and that it should be demolished. This was not cost-effective or practical, but we ignored this advice.

We value authenticity, creativity, and history. Demolishing the structure would lead to a significant regional loss. We have partnered with renowned regional architect Nils Luderowski to preserve the building and transform this landmark.

We value authenticity, creativity, and history. Demolishing the structure would lead to a significant regional loss. We have partnered with renowned regional architect Nils Luderowski to preserve the building and transform this landmark.

Eight years passed, during which time the early 19th-century mill was restored to a respectful version of its original architectural vernacular. This comprehensive effort included site cleanup, hazmat abatement, demolition, new underground utilities,

Eight years passed, during which time the early 19th-century mill was restored to a respectful version of its original architectural vernacular. This comprehensive effort included site cleanup, hazmat abatement, demolition, new underground utilities, structural repairs, and full renovation work. Substantial amounts of materials were recycled and reused during the restoration. For example, all tables are made from reclaimed oak floorboards salvaged during the demolition phase.

The renovated 1820s mill now dominates the streetscape as an iconic regional landmark.

The renovated 1820s mill now dominates the streetscape as an iconic regional landmark.

Our Leadership

  • In 2016, Paul founded the company to export the Champlain Valley’s agricultural influence and rich history to a broader audience. This mission led him to an early 19th-century mill (which has since undergone a nine-year restoration) nestled in the fertile Champlain Valley, near the historic shores of Lake Champlain. Paul drew inspiration for the name War Cannon Spirits when the project became based out of the towns of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Both towns are home to 18th-century British and French forts - Fort Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga.

  • Our Chief Distiller, Joel Elder, played a vital role in guiding War Cannon Spirits alongside Paul since the project's inception. With a rich agricultural background stemming from his upbringing on Missouri farms, Joel aims to make struggling farms profitable and innovate in value-added agriculture, naturally leading him to distill. His extensive knowledge now serves as the foundation of our industry-leading processes. He was instrumental in New York’s broader craft beverage expansion, working alongside the state’s legislature and agricultural community for over 15 years. Joel provided valuable insights during the revision of New York's farm distillery framework and contributed to agricultural boards for the reintroduction of new barley strains in the state, now widely recognized as ‘Empire Malt.’

Revolutionary History, Rebellious Spirits.

We are a cause-driven brand that aims to raise awareness and educate people about historical artifacts, events, and locations. We encourage visitation, preservation, and restoration of historic sites, and inspire others to participate in community efforts around these initiatives. We have built regional, national, and international civic partnerships with like-minded organizations to help raise funds and support these efforts.