Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara has announced its annual Soldiers through the Ages event has been set for Saturday, May 27th, and Sunday, May 28th. This two-day program highlights four centuries of military history through special exhibits and programs. [Read more…] about Fort Niagara Soldiers through the Ages

Old Fort Niagara in Niagara County, NY, will host “Native Nations at Niagara,” a Smoke Dance competition set for Saturday, May 13th. Old Fort Niagara will be welcoming local and nationwide competitors to dance throughout the day. [Read more…] about Native Nations Headed to Fort Niagara for Smoke Dance Competition

Old Fort Niagara has announced their scheduled events for the month of April, including Fortress Foolery on April Fools’ Day, an Easter Sunday service, National Laundry Day, and a History Master Class. [Read more…] about April Events At Old Fort Niagara

On August 7th, 1760, Sergeant Cameron of the 44th Regiment of Foot was tried under the accusation that he had threatened to report the Commandant of Fort Niagara to General Thomas Gage. The depositions in Cameron’s court martial contain many bizarre details – including an anonymous note, a bad laundry job, a fistfight, and lots of gossip – convoluting the case into an interpersonal mess. However, inside the dramatic specifics lie keys to understanding the precarious position occupied by women in the 18th century British military, as much of the case centers around the actions of women working for the 44th Regiment. [Read more…] about Women in 18th Century Military Roles

Members of the Brigade of the American Revolution, an international organization dedicated to the portrayal of common soldiers of the American Revolution will garrison Old Fort Niagara and provide visitors with a variety of interpretive programs depicting life in a winter garrison for both soldiers and civilians on February 18th and 19th. [Read more…] about Old Fort Niagara’s Winter Warriors

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