Lockport's
Nearby Niagara Attractions

Historic
Old Fort Niagara

The history of this outpost on the northwest corner of Niagara County spans more than 300 years.  French, British, and US flags have flown here. 

The fort itself is a military masterpiece for its times. Bordered on two sides by water (the Niagara River and Lake Ontario) and from land-approach by moats, and fortified firepower, it was indeed difficult to gain entry here unless the front door was open.

Today entry is no magic.  Seven US dollars gets you in.  It is Niagara County's #3 tourist attraction and you can easily spend a half day here inside the fortress --- and still longer on the acres of parkland that adjoin it.  Admission charges include parking.

A predecessor to the current outpost was first established by the French in 1679 and known as Fort Conti.  Then the real estate took on the designation "Fort Denoncille" until 1726 when the French built the first of more permanent facilities including the still-standing "French Castle."  In these early days the fort's main purpose was to protect settlers from hostile Indians, a mission it continued to provide even when the British took over (after a 19-day siege)  in 1759 during the French And Indian War.  The British held the fortress throughout the American Revolution, finally giving it up to the United States by treaty in 1796.   During the War of 1812 it was recaptured by the British and ceded back to the United States in 1815.  The War of 1812 was the fort's last armed conflict but it was an active military installation up through 1963.  In fact, the United States Coast Guard still has a busy station here on the eastern shore of the Niagara River.

Red Brick, But No Red Carpet

Few uninvited ever got as close as the view below to the fort in the period prior to 1815 without first being shot at from hundreds of yards away by musket-fire and/or rounds of mortars.  Moreover, at close range, hostile musket fire continued through small cracks in the walls and by howitzers peaking through those larger openings.  The idea was to try to get an army over the walls while being shot at.   It was never a good idea.  A more successful method was "the siege" whereby the fort would be surrounded and the occupants cut off from supplies while being harassed by artillery fire from a distance.

Views From The Inside

        Looking South Toward The Main Entry                                               Looking North To Toronto

The South Redoubt (1770) is just past the point of main entry.       The Millet Cross (1926) in the foreground is today's
A "Redoubt" supports light artillery on its top floors.                       replacement for a cross erected in 1688 on this site by
There are two such structures at Fort Niagara.                               French Jesuit missionary priest Fr. Pierre Millet.
The Redoubts also provided shelter for about 20 men.                   In the background, about 30 miles, is Toronto's skyline.

Firing Demonstrations Are A Daily Feature

Throughout the day the Fort's contingent demonstrate the firing of some of the smaller arms such as muskets and mortars.  Below, a small mortar is fired from atop the South Bastion in the direction of a parking lot.  The "The Big Boys" in the background are not fired.  Before the firing, the Redcoats explain to their audience all the details of the armament including loading procedures and how they are aimed.

The "French Castle," The Flags, And The Firepower

The "French Castle" (1726) is one of the most interesting structures at the Fort.  It includes everything from confinement facilities, to trading post, dining and living quarters, plus, of course, hidden firepower able to reach in all directions.  Next to the "castle" is The Bakehouse.

In addition to the American and British flags, an early French (white) flag flies.

The cannon at the base of the flag circle is typical of armament found throughout the grounds and in the buildings.

Lake Ontario is to the right, the Niagara River is to the left.  In the background on the left is Canada.

Fort Niagara is open for your inspection tour on a schedule that varies according to the season.  The fort opens at 9AM and generally remains open to about sundown.  Old Fort Niagara is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.   Much of the funding for this attraction has been provided by the State of New York although the facility is now operated by the non-profit Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc.   Adjacent points of interest, the Fort Niagara Lighthouse, the park and recreational grounds, and the Coast Guard Station are not covered in this report.

There is a gift shop and short-order eatery located on site.  Old Fort Niagara is about a thirty minute drive from Lockport Center City.  Take Route 93 northwest out of Lockport.  As the route terminates in Youngstown follow the signs to the fort.  From Niagara Falls and points south, take Route 18F or the Robert Moses Parkway north.  For additional information telephone 716-745-7611.

The (Tourist) Day Is Done; Reenactors Retreat Home

Lockport Tourism Pages

A Nose For News, An Eye For Beauty.
A Recall Of History And...A Bias For The Truth
The Lockport Home Page:  www.Lockport-NY.com
Niagara County's Major Independent Service Site On The World Wide Web