For more information about Fort Niagara visit http://www.oldfortniagara.org/

FORT NIAGARA - YOUNGSTOWN NEW YORK

The history of Fort Niagara dates back to the early French exploration period, and a series of forts has existed on the site since 1682. Just prior to the Seven Years’ War, the French commenced strengthening the fort by adding earthworks, a powder magazine, moats, and additional batteries, but despite these efforts, the fort fell to the English on July 25, 1759. During the American Revolution, the fort was the main British base on the Niagara, and the staging area for many of the Indian and Tory raids on New York and Pennsylvania.

The fort that existed during the War of 1812 was essentially the French fort of 1726 that had been constructed by Gaspard Chaussegeros de Lery, but the fort’s defences had been added to over the years. In the Queenston heights campaign, Fort Niagara exchanged fire with British held Fort George, located just across the river, and part of its garrison participated in the Battle of Queenston Heights.

In May of 1812, American forces captured Fort George and later advanced towards Burlington, but after the decisive battles of Stoney creek and Beaver Dams they were confined to the vicinity of Fort George. During the winter they destroyed Fort George and the town of Newark before moving back to Fort Niagara. In retaliation, the British determined to capture Fort Niagara, and then lay waste the American side of the river.

On the night of December 19, 1813, a British force under the command of Colonel Murray took the fort by surprise, and after this action it remained in British hands until after the war. Fort Niagara today had been fully restored, and is a part of Fort Niagara State Park. The fort’s most notable feature is the “French Castle” which is constructed of stone and is the only structure of its kind in North America. The fort is open year round and in the summer months guides are dressed in period uniforms. The fort emphasizes its history under three flags, French, British, And American. Fort Niagara is located just to the north of Youngstown, New York.(Collins, Gilbert, Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812, 1998, page 91)

The Incorporated Militia participated once again in the British Garrison Weekend sponsored by Fort Niagara. Typical activities that would have occurred in garrison were demonstrated by members of the different British and Canadian units present.