Old Fort Niagara: New York State History
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The history of Old Fort Niagara spans 300 years. It was given its name to distinguish it from the New Fort Niagara which rests outside the walls of the fort. It is an extremely important in history and has evolved over time. The fort has been occupied by the French, the British and the Americans where it remains today, which is why the three nations’ flags are hung yet today. The fort was used as an active military post into the 20th century. The last army troops were withdrawn in 1963. It is presently a National Historic Landmark, as it holds the oldest structures in the Great Lakes. Additionally, it boasts spectacular scenery and showcases numerous special events, which are affiliated with the fort. Many platforms incorporate historical reenactments of the past.
Old Fort Niagara was given its name to distinguish it from the New Fort Niagara which rests outside the walls of the fort.
Old Fort Niagara has played a feature role in the conflicts between Great Britain, France and the United States. The location of the fort is why it was instrumental in all wars involving the New York State area.
In 1678, a small outpost called Fort Conti was built at this location by explorer Sieur de La Salle, as the French quickly realized that the area’s potential and how it could be strategically important in the future. The eastern end of Lake Erie boasts vast fresh water drainage from the Great Lakes, which narrows and flows into the Niagara River. From there until its junction with Lake Ontario, a good thirty miles, the Niagara River drops four hundred feet. Next is the massive 182-foot pitch over Niagara Falls. The force, with its gorge and fast-moving water, produces the furthermost impediment to water travel in the Great Lakes. This along with the fact that the location enables the connecting straits from the Great Lakes, which forms a continuous body of water from the Atlantic Ocean right to the center of the North American continent. Thus, in its day, besides being a gateway, it provided the most effective passageway through rugged territory. As the French desired to set up their business of fur trade, this location was ideal. The construction of the fort gave limited protection for the occupants who represented France at the time. The area was yet remote though and as the French had poor relations at the time with the neighboring Native Americans, this made it challenging to establish continued colonization in the ensuing years.
In 1687, Marquis de Denonville, Governor of the area now known as New France, once again built a fort in the area that he named Fort Denonville. However, the winters were harsh and much disease inflicted the men and all but a dozen perished. The following year it was determined that they would tear down the stockades and abandon post.
Several years passed. The French were more cautious this time and obtained the permission of the Iroquois to build and occupy the location and in1726 a more permanent building, a two-story structure, “Maison a Machicoulis,” was constructed. Later, in the 19thcentury it became known as “The French Castle,” which it is still called today. The original name, however, “The House of Peace,” was given by the French to appease the Hodenosaunee, better known to many also as the Iroquois. The French believed it to be in their best interest to put forth a persona of friendship. The fort substantially grew in size as time progressed as did the tension between the French and the British.
Over time the fort became known as Old Fort Niagara. It was utilized in the French and Indian War, also called the War of the Conquest. The war lasted from 1754 to 1763. The French and the American Indians were enemies to the British. The war led to the conquest of Canada by Britain. During this time the fort was witness to much action. In 1755, the French expanded their troops to great numbers in order to strengthen its position. The facilities were also expanded during this time in order to accommodate its growing numbers of occupants. Do to its strategic position, the British made Fort Niagara the prime target in order to gain power. The French had believed that were in good favor with the Native Americans and had them as allies to fight with them; however, they deserted once the British arrived. After a nine day siege in July of 1759, the British took control of the fort.
For the next thirty-seven years the British remained in control of Fort Niagara. It served as a Loyalist base during the American Revolution. In fact, the British held the post throughout the Revolution. It was only by treaty that the British were forced to succumb and give it up to the United States in 1796. The British were not done yet. Fort Niagara was recaptured by the British in 1813. The British once again had to cede Old Fort Niagara to the United States a second time in 1815 at the end of the War of 1812.From that point on to present day it has been under the rule of the United States of America.
Timeline for Fort Niagara: http://www.nyfalls.com/niagara/niagara-fort-niagara.html
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Don't feel bad. I have lived here most of my life and I learned so much this past week and know that I have much more to learn and I also teach the history of NY to fourth graders. I feel so much more competent now, which is why I signed on for my week of learning. I feel I accomplished my goal thanks to some hard working educators who set this week up.
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Jaspal Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Thanks Trimar. Very interesting ... Imagine, despite having visited Niagara and stayed at Buffalo, I have only learnt its history after reading your hub.