The Oval is what remains of the Plattsburgh Barracks, a US Army post that operated continuously from 1815 to 1946 and was the city's main employer for most of that period. The central oval-shaped parade ground is ringed by handsome brick Federal and Greek Revival officers' houses, the 1838 Old Stone Barracks, the former hospital (now the Battle of Plattsburgh Museum), and the parade-ground band shell.
The whole district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the houses are now private homes; the Old Stone Barracks is occasionally open for events; and the central oval is a favourite spot for evening walks and summer concerts. Walking time: an unhurried 45 minutes.