7 WONDERS: No. 1 Old Fort Niagara

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November 13, 2006

Fort offers slice of American history

By Dan Miner The Journal-Register Mon Nov 13, 2006, 08:03 PM EST

Old Fort Niagara is no one-dimensional attraction.

The stately pre-Revolutionary War fortress — which stands at the crux of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River — welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors from all over the world per year, each hoping to capture a sense of history and enjoy the scenery.

Robert Emerson, executive director of the non-profit Old Fort Niagara Association, thinks that people are drawn to the site for three reasons.

First is its infrastructure, constructed by the French in the 18th century. The number of North American forts from that era with original buildings still standing can be counted on one hand, Emerson said.

“There are many forts throughout the U.S. that are reconstructed, and some are even on their original sites,” he said. “But these (Fort Niagara) buildings are original and that makes this place very special.”

The history of the fort reflects the early history of North America, with strategic battles waged for access to the Great Lakes and the heart of the continent.

The French established the first post at the location in 1679 and built a permanent post in 1726, according to its Web site. The British gained control of the site in 1759 during the French and Indian War after a 19 day siege, and held it until after the American Revolution, when they eventually were forced to cede it by treaty to the United States.

The fort’s last armed conflict was during the War of 1812, when it was captured again by the British and then recaptured by the United States. After that, it was used as a peaceful border post, serving as a barracks and training station for American soldiers in both of the World Wars.

“Important events happened here that changed the course of history,” Emerson said. “Things that happened here impacted the rise and fall of empires.”

Old Fort Niagara was restored roughly 80 years ago, though for the most part its buildings were still standing and structurally sound.

Emerson said the second reason for the fort’s popularity is its scenery, especially in the summer. The fort sits on a bluff overlooking the water, and the earthen barriers built by the French to deflect cannon fire were constructed with careful symmetry.

“In the summer, it’s just a beautiful combination of colors,” Emerson said. “You really feel like you’re standing there 250 years ago.”

The third reason is the site’s Living History program, which allows visitors to observe and take part in activities that occurred when it was an operational fort. Visitors can be drafted into a cannon crew, drill with muskets, converse with a French fur trader and try on clothing worn by early French voyageurs.

“It brings history alive to the people,” Emerson said. “People can come and enjoy by doing.”

Old Fort Niagara — which lies up the river from Niagara Falls — is a National Historic Landmark and a New York State Historic site. Its visitors include about 18,000 students a year, as well as people from Asia and Europe.

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Fort offers slice of American history

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