Old Fort Niagara is living history at its very best. This historic park allows visitors to literally step back in time and see what life was like when three nations, Great Britain, France, and the United States, fought to dominate the new world. Old Fort Niagara has the distinction of being the oldest, constantly utilized military fort in North America.
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Brief History of Old Fort Niagara
The flags of 3 nations have flown over this fort in its 300-year history. Fort Niagara is perched at the mouth of the Niagara River. It provided a vital military position that offered control over the Great Lakes.
The French were the first occupants of Fort Niagara, although it was only a small outpost at the time called Fort Conti, followed by Fort Denonville. Fort Niagara was built in 1726 as a permanent structure. The British gained control of the Fort in 1759 and held the Fort until the end of the Revolutionary War when they were forced to relinquish it to the United States. The British recaptured the Fort during the War of 1812 and again held the Fort until the end of the war in 1815.
The War of 1812 was Fort Niagara’s last military conflict. The Fort from that point forward was used as an American Military Training Facility until 1963.
Touring the Fort
Visitors to the Fort can learn more about the history of the Fort at the Visitor Center through exhibits and artifacts, including a flag from 1812. Tour through all the buildings and fortifications in the Fort. All of the buildings are set up with furniture and trappings from the various periods. This experience is extremely immersive. There is also museum staff dressed in uniform and period costumes wandering around the complex.
As you walk around Old Fort Niagara, you truly get the feeling that you have literally gone back in time. Roaming through the carefully adorned rooms of the buildings in the Fort, it appears as if the inhabitants have just stepped out for a few minutes and will be right back at any moment. Guests get a realistic impression of what life was like at the Fort.
Demonstrations
Although the Fort is open all year round, it is most active in the Summertime, with live demonstrations and reenactors roaming around the Fort. No matter when you visit, Old Fort Niagara is always alive with history.
Visitors can view live musket or artillery demonstrations. This isn’t always a popular experience for kids, especially if they don’t like loud noises. One of the best experiences we had at Old Fort Niagara was during a live musket demonstration. My daughter hates loud noises, and the reenactor noticed her nervousness. He thoughtfully pulled her aside and told her that she could tell him when to fire the gun, once he had finished his presentation. This made her feel so much better about the experience.
You can also observe museum staff performing typical roles and responsibilities of the people who would have been living at the Fort. Craftsmen are demonstrating their various trades.
Haunted Old Fort Niagara
Like most old and historic forts, Old Fort Niagara is reputedly haunted. One of the reenactors told of his own personal experience while working at the fort. He claimed to have been a non-believer until he was rudely awakened by a ghost when he stayed at the fort overnight.
There are other stories and videos (mainly from ghost hunter shows that visit the fort for their TV shows.) all over the internet. We have posted a few here for your enjoyment. Fort Niagara even hosts events around the haunting of the fort. Check out their website for more information.
Fort Niagara Lighthouse
Visitors to Old Fort Niagara can climb to the top of the Lighthouse to get a great view of the Fort and Lake Ontario. The lighthouse is open during the summer from noon to 3 pm. Admission to this lighthouse is Free. There is a live HD webcam at the top of the Fort Niagara Lighthouse that can be view HERE.
Hours and Admission
Hours
The Fort is open year-round with the exception of New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Jan – June 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- July – Aug – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sept – Dec – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Getting to Old Fort Niagara
Address: 102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown
Google Map Link
Have you visited here before? Do you know of other forts that are as impressive as this one? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
All photos by Michael Higgins