BURNING OF 18th CENTURY FORT NEAR THE BRINK OF THE FALLS
OLD FORT NIAGARA RECREATES BURNING OF
18th CENTURY FORT NEAR THE BRINK OF THE FALLS
Kick-off event to 250th Anniversary of the Siege of Fort Niagara this summer
YOUNGSTOWN, NY
– Old Fort Niagara kicks off its summer long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the siege of Fort Niagara, with the recreation and destruction of a French fort that once stood at the brink of Niagara Falls. On Saturday, May 30 from noon to 5:00 p.m., Old Fort Niagara is reenacting the destruction of Fort du Portage, also known today as Fort Little Niagara, with an encampment at the eastern boundary of Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, near the original site of the Fort.A stockade wall of the original Fort du Portage will be constructed that morning and a small encampment of French soldiers and Native traders will be established, interpreting military and commercial life in the 1700s along the Niagara frontier. The public can participate in typical trade of the time as well as observe musket and cannon firings. At 4:00 p.m., French soldiers will receive their orders to destroy the Fort and the re-created stockade and trade goods will be set ablaze. Everyone is welcome to attend this free one-time event. Parking will be available, first come first served, along the unused eastbound section of the Robert Moses Parkway near John Daly Boulevard.
Fort du Portage was erected in 1751 at the upper landing of the Niagara Portage to bolster French trade, strengthen ties with the Native Americans and better protect the strategically important portage, which was a vital link in the route from Canada to the Ohio Valley. When Fort Niagara in Youngstown was besieged during the French & Indian War in 1759, the commander of Fort du Portage, was ordered to destroy the fort if the British approached. Fearing that the fort was indefensible, the commander burned it to the ground and casted a large quantity of trade goods into the Niagara River. Remnants of Fort du Portage no longer exist.
“This summer we want to educate local residents and visitors alike about the impact the French & Indian War had – it’s why we do not speak French, why English institutions are dominant and the outcome also led to America’s fight for independence,” said Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. “The recreation of the burning of Fort du Portage begins our 250th anniversary activities as we build momentum and enthusiasm for our signature event – the reenactment of the historic siege of Fort Niagara in July.”
Set for July 3-5, 2009, the large scale reenactment of the siege of Fort Niagara marks the largest battle on the grounds of the Fort since the original siege in 1759. The three-day event recreates the siege of Fort Niagara with more than 2,300 re-enactors, battle reenactments, living history camps, colonial merchants, Native American councils and musical entertainment. For a complete listing of Old Fort Niagara’s anniversary events, visit
www.oldfortniagara.org or by calling 716-745-7611.
