Old Fort Niagara

Although Fort Niagara was far from the Civil War’s theaters of combat, the fort still played a role in the conflict. The fort was garrisoned for almost a year by elements the Seventh Infantry after they were captured near St. Augustine Springs, New Mexico in July 1861.

As part of the surrender terms, the Seventh promised not to fight until exchanged for Confederate prisoners. This brought them to Western New York, where they would serve far from the action until October 1862. [Read more…] about Old Fort Niagara During the Civil War

Old Fort Niagara will host a living history weekend on August 20th and 21st, exploring daily life during fort’s history when men, women and children went about their daily tasks, working to survive at an isolated frontier outpost. [Read more…] about Life at Old Fort Niagara Living History Weekend

The British held Fort Niagara throughout the American War for Independence. They used the forts strategic position to launch raids against the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania, hoping to deprive George Washington’s army of much needed soldiers and supplies.

[Read more…] about American Revolution Encampment at Old Fort Niagara

The French and Indian War was George Washington’s first military command and the first time large European armies fought on American soil. Native Americans fought on both sides and often influenced the outcome of military campaigns. When the war was over in 1763, half a continent changed hands and the stage was set for the American Revolution.

Fort Niagara began the war as a French outpost. Constructed in 1726, the fort remained in French hands until the fifth year of the French and Indian War. Because the fort guarded the strategic Great Lakes water route to the west, the British set their sights on capturing the fort in 1759.

A British expedition, mustered near Schenectady, advanced across New York during June. By July 6th, 2,500 British and New York soldiers and almost 1,000 Haudenosaunee allies landed where Four Mile Creek State Park stands today. [Read more…] about French and Indian War Encampment at Fort Niagara July 2-3

A British soldier serving at Fort Niagara during the 18th century got one holiday a year: the King’s Birthday.

To celebrate, the fort’s garrison was turned out in new uniforms and powdered hair. At noon, the artillery fired a “Royal Salute” followed by three volleys of musketry. [Read more…] about King’s Birthday Event at Old Fort Niagara June 4th

Old Fort Niagara will present its annual “Soldiers through the Ages” event, a timeline of military history spanning four centuries, on Memorial Day weekend, May 28th and 29th. [Read more…] about Soldiers Through The Ages: A Special Event at Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara will celebrate National Laundry Day with a program on how laundry was processed in the eighteenth century, on Saturday, April 16th.

Living history interpreters will demonstrate laundry techniques over an open fire and discuss textiles and their production. Visitors will learn how clothing was repaired and how military tailors ensured that uniforms fit the soldiers in the garrison. [Read more…] about National Laundry Day at Old Fort Niagara

At the beginning of the Civil War, Fort Niagara was garrisoned by elements of the Seventh United States Infantry Regiment. This unit was captured by Confederates in New Mexico in July of 1861 and sent to northern border posts on parole the following winter. Later, the Union strengthened Fort Niagara by adding massive brick walls that remain a prominent feature of the fort today.

Abraham Lincoln’s portrait graces the United States Five Dollar bill. Local residents can celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th by enjoying deeply discounted admission to Old Fort Niagara. Visitors who bring one for each member of their party can purchase fort tickets for a fraction of the regular cost, while enjoying special programs about local history during Lincoln’s time. [Read more…] about Old Fort Niagara Offering Special Discounts for Lincoln’s Birthday