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Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara During the Civil War

February 7, 2023 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

Old Fort NiagaraAlthough 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

Simeon Ford: Deserter & War of 1812 Hero

November 13, 2022 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

Plattsburgh Republican, August 27, 1814In August 1814, Capt. Opie of the 5th Regiment of U.S. Infantry placed a bounty in the Plattsburgh Republican offering a $200 reward for the return of four deserters, including Simeon Ford, who was accused of deserting for the third time.

Ford was described as 24 years of age, 5-feet-7 and a half inches tall, with dark hair and eyes and a fair complexion. His occupation: brick layer. He was also described as a cunning, artful, imposing fellow possessing a “superior degree of loquacity” which he used “in a most imposing manner.” [Read more…] about Simeon Ford: Deserter & War of 1812 Hero

Filed Under: Capital-Saratoga, History Tagged With: Ballston Spa, Battle of Queenstown Heights, East Greenbush, Fort Columbus, Governors Island, Military History, New York Harbor, Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara, Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Saratoga County History Center, Saratoga County History Roundtable, War of 1812

Life at Old Fort Niagara Living History Weekend

August 15, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Old Fort NiagaraOld 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

American Revolution Encampment at Old Fort Niagara

July 21, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Soldiers of the RevolutionThe 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

French and Indian War Encampment at Fort Niagara July 2-3

June 30, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

French and Indian War EncampmentThe 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

King’s Birthday Event at Old Fort Niagara June 4th

June 2, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

kings birthdayA 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

Soldiers Through The Ages: A Special Event at Old Fort Niagara

May 23, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

soldiers through the agesOld 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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

1813: Fall of Fort Niagara & Burning the Niagara Frontier

May 6, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Books, Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Erie County, Genesee River, Military History, New York State Archives, Niagara County, Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara, War of 1812

National Laundry Day at Old Fort Niagara

April 11, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara Offering Special Discounts for Lincoln’s Birthday

February 9, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Events, History, Western NY Tagged With: Old Fort Niagara

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