OLD FORT NIAGARA

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.

Castles have defensive walls with cut or slits on the walls known as arrow loops through

which soldiers can fire without being hit.

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) 

 

Location: Fort Niagara State Park
                Porter, Niagara County
                New York, USA

Contact: Old Fort Niagara .
               P.O. Box 169
              Youngstown, NY 14174
              Phone:  716-745-7611