A unique blend of history and scenery, that is Old Fort Niagara. Overlooking Canada, this military
site is located at a distance of 14 miles from the Great Falls of Niagara in Western New York.
This state historic site witnessed the tussle by super powers to control and capture North America.
Here exotic French architecture in its rustic color captivates and bewitches the visitors .
The fort complex with its two storied French castle and a bake house next to it
is situated on the eastern bank of Niagara river at its mouth on lake Ontario.
A castle is often protected by huge gate with wooden doors having metallic parts and a drawbridge.
Drawbridges are movable bridges that can be raised or lowered to regulate the entry and exit to the
castle surrounded by a moat (ditch). This bridge can be moved or destroyed at the time of any attack.
A castle can be attacked in different ways like fire, battering rams ( heavy object rammed against the
door to break it), ladders, catapult ( Ballistic device used to launch a projectile at a great distance),
mining/digging and siege (attackers wait outside castle without allowing anyone to enter or go
outside which often last for months until the supply of food and water for inhabitants lasts).
The second floor of the castle consist of living quarters and a chapel which is one of
the earliest permanent churches in Western New York.
the earliest permanent churches in Western New York.
Castles have defensive walls with cut or slits on the walls known as arrow loops through
The first military post at this fort was constructed by New France in 1678 to protect their
interest in North America. From them control of the fort went to Britain in 1759. After the
1812 war and the Treaty of Ghent that followed it, Britain lost the fort to USA in 1815.
During 1944-46 , fort also served as a camp for German prisoners of World war 11.
Since 1963, US coastal guard took control of this 250 acre land and the fort from US army.
The fort consist of several buildings including a provisions store house and a powder magazine.
The provision store can store up to 7000 barrels of food for the post .The 4 feet thick walls of the
powder magazine( brick and stone structure used to store gun powder) can withstand direct hits
from any enemy mortar.
The fort still keep many of the original artillery artifacts used by the former occupants.
Inside the powder magazine there is a display of racks in which gun powder was stored.
There placed five Canons outside, pointing George Fort in Canada across the river. Fort George is
an abandoned military site built by Britain after Jays Treaty (1796), which required Britain to
withdraw from Fort Niagara.
North redoubt , Millet cross and three historic flags on the parade ground commemorate the
three nations (France, Britain and USA) that once occupied this fort ( Photo:Arasu)
Firing demonstration at Fort Niagara from muskets ( loaded firearm fired from the shoulder).
The best time to visit the Fort is summer especially July 4th, when the historical reenactments of
18th century war,music and living history programs along with other activities are conducted.
The fort now serves as Fort Niagara State Park and Museum and known as Old Fort Niagara Historic
Site.This landmark fort in the village of Youngstown, (famous for vineyards and lush green
agricultural land) is a great place for archaeologists and common people to visit and enjoy history .
Note: Cameras Used :-Canon Power shot A490, Canon Power Shot SD 400, Nikon DSLR (Arasu)
Porter, Niagara County
New York, USA
Contact: Old Fort Niagara .
P.O. Box 169
Youngstown, NY 14174
Phone: 716-745-7611