New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Old Fort Niagara

1813: Fall of Fort Niagara & Burning the Niagara Frontier

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new yorks war of 1812In December 1813, during the War of 1812, there was a human catastrophe as a result of the burning of the Niagara Frontier. Only one home was spared along the 37-mile-long border and upwards of 6,000 refugees fled into the snowy forests heading for the Genesee River and safety.

Richard V. Barbuto’s book New York’s War of 1812: Politics Society and Combat (University of Oklahoma Press, 2021), looks back to the War of 1812, from the beleaguered Fort McHenry to the burning White House to an embattled New Orleans. [Read more…] about 1813: Fall of Fort Niagara & Burning the Niagara Frontier

National Laundry Day at Old Fort Niagara

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18th century laundry courtesy Old Fort NiagaraOld 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

Old Fort Niagara Offering Special Discounts for Lincoln’s Birthday

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abraham lincolnAt 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

The Captive Boys of Rensselaerville: John and Robert Brice

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painting of Dietz Massacre by James Dietz The following captivity narrative was related by Robert Brice and includes an account of the September 1781 “Dietz Massacre” that took place a few miles south of the Village of Berne, Albany County, NY.  This story was taken down from Robert Brice when he was still living by Josiah Priest and published in his Stories of the Revolution in 1836 as “The Captive Boys of Rensselaerville – John and Robert Brice.”  This version has been lightly edited for easier reading, but has retained much of the tone and style, including the use of disparaging terms to refer to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people who took part in these events. Additional details and background about this event can be found here. New York Almanack is presenting this story to illustrate historical attitudes about these events from a victim’s perspective.

The Brices had migrated from their native country of Scotland in the year 1774 and settled in a new place, southwest of the city of Albany. At this place, a few families had chosen a residence, which was then called Van Rensselaer’s Patent, but now Rensselaerville. Here the newcomers erected a few log houses. [Read more…] about The Captive Boys of Rensselaerville: John and Robert Brice

18th Century Winter Survival Skills Focus of Old Fort Niagara Event

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winter warriorsOld Fort Niagara will host “Winter Warriors,” a day of family-oriented programming highlighting colonial era winter survival skills on Saturday, January 15th.

This event will focus on how people survived in 18th century New York during the winter months. [Read more…] about 18th Century Winter Survival Skills Focus of Old Fort Niagara Event

When History Is Wrong: The Albany County ‘Dietz Massacre’

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painting of Dietz Massacre by James DietzDuring the Revolutionary War the little community of Beaver Dam (sometimes spelled Beaverdam) in what is now Berne, Albany County, NY saw little action.

The British and their Indigenous allies repeatedly attacked the communities in the Schoharie Valley to the west however, despite the presence of a large militia and three forts to protect the people of Schoharie. [Read more…] about When History Is Wrong: The Albany County ‘Dietz Massacre’

French Heritage Day at Old Fort Niagara

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17th Century Canadian provided by Old Fort NiagaraFrom René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle to Captain Pierre Pouchot, the French had a significant presence on the Niagara River for almost one hundred years from 1669 to 1759.

The first documented visit by Frenchmen to the site of Fort Niagara was in 1669. The French surrendered Fort Niagara to the British in July 1759 after a 19-day siege. In between, hundreds of French soldiers, traders, missionaries, diplomats and explorers visited or lived in the area. [Read more…] about French Heritage Day at Old Fort Niagara

300th Anniversary of Le Magazin Royal Niagara Trading Post Being Marked

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Historic interpreters portray trade and diplomacy between a French soldier and Native AmericanThe Historical Association of Lewiston, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, Artpark and Old Fort Niagara are set to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Le Magazin Royal Niagara Trading Post on September 12th, at Artpark in Lewiston. [Read more…] about 300th Anniversary of Le Magazin Royal Niagara Trading Post Being Marked

Old Fort Niagara Has Reopened

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Old Fort NiagaraOld Fort Niagara, is considered the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America. It opened in 1934 as a historic site and public museum.  The Fort, originally built to protect the interests of New France in North America, is located near Youngstown, Niagara County, NY, on the eastern bank of the Niagara River at its mouth, on Lake Ontario. 

The site has reopened to visitors, following a 15-week closure due to the ongoing pandemic. Daily hours of operation have been shortened slightly from 10 am to 4 pm to allow for extra cleaning before and after hours.  [Read more…] about Old Fort Niagara Has Reopened