Feature Friday - Fort Niagara, New York
Fort Niagara, New York
One of the highlights of our trip to Niagara Falls was an excursion to Old Fort Niagara. There are two ways to get there from Niagara Falls. If you have a car, it’s only a 20 minute drive away. Or you can take the free shuttle which, with all the stops, is around 45 minutes or so. But it is a scenic trip.
Fort Niagara is open from 9:00AM-5:00PM January through June, 9:00AM-7:00PM July and August, and 9:00AM-5:00PM September - December.
General Admission for adults is $12.00, children 6-12 is $8.00, and children under 5 are free. Discounts are offered for Senior Citizens, AAA/CAA members with their card, and NYS Parks Discovery Pass coupon.
Fort Niagara is definitely worth a visit with its rich history, demonstrations, and during this Halloween season, ghost tours.
Facts about Fort Niagara:
- The first structure was called Fort Conti and built in 1678 by Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle.
- In 1687, the Marquis de Denonville, Governor of New France, constructed a new fort. named Fort Denonville. One hundred men were posted there. Between winter weather and disease, only 12 survived. The post was abandoned in 1688.
- In 1726, a two-story “Machicoated House” was constructed on the site and called the “House of Peace” or trading post.
- In 1755, the fort was expanded to its current size because of the tension between the French and British.
- It played a significant part in the French and Indian War. During the Battle of Fort Niagara in July 1759, it fell to the British in a 19-day siege. It remained with the British for 37 years.
- Fort Niagara was the Loyalist base in New York during the American Revolution. It was ceded to the US after the Treaty of Paris and the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783. American forces occupied the fort in 1796.
- During the War of 1812, British forces captured the fort. In the Treaty of Ghent, it was returned to the US where it has remained ever since.
- Fort Niagara was used for training troops for the Spanish-American War and World War I. During World War II, it served as an induction center and a POW camp for German soldiers captured in North Africa. During the Korean War, it was headquarters for anti-aircraft artillery
- It was officially deactivated in 1963. However, the Coast Guard continues a military presence there. Fort Niagara is one of the longest continuously run military bases, 1726-present day.
- In 1960, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
- Some believe the site is haunted by a headless French Soldier beheaded during a duel. He supposedly wanders the grounds looking for his head.
Links of Interest:
If you’re looking for more places to visit in the Niagara Falls area, check out this article:
10 Great Family Activities Around (Not Just At) Niagara Falls You Must Do This Summer - The Daily Adventures of Me - http://thedailyadventuresofme.com/home/family-activities-around-niagara-falls
Haunted Fortress at Old Fort Niagara - http://hauntedhistorytrail.com/event/haunted-fortress-at-old-fort-niagara/all/
Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site - http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/31/details.aspx
Welcome to Old Fort Niagara - http://www.oldfortniagara.org/
Old Fort Niagara Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/oldfortniagara/