Old Fort Niagara

Most people coming to the Buffalo area visit Niagara Falls. The falls are stunning in the daytime and nighttime both and to be fully experienced should be seen in the summer and winter. But there's much more to see and do in the area and one of the more interesting and historical stops would be Old Fort Niagara on the Niagara River.

The first fortification in the area was built by the French in 1679 and was known as Fort Condi. After an agreement to build a trading post was made with the Iroquois, the French build the "French Castle" which appeared to be a trading post and indeed had one on the lower level, but they also added dormer windows which could be used to shoot cannons and muskets, as well as building a garrison for the troops.

The French maintained control of the fort and the area until 1759 when the British gained control of the fort during the French & Indian War after a nineteen day siege. The British had control of the fort until the American Revolution when they turned it over to the Americans through a treaty agreement in 1796. The British once again captured Fort Niagara during the War of 1812 but ceded to the Americans again at the war's end.

Over the years the fort served as a border post but saw no further conflict. The army removed all its troops in 1963 and the fort now serves as a national and state monument and part of the park system. Which means you can use your Golden Age Passport as well as any other National Park pass to gain free entry to the fort.

During the summer you have the opportunity to see reenactments of battles that occurred at the fort and you can participate in the loading and firing of one of the cannons on the grounds (great fun for the little ones!). Fort Niagara is a fascinating view into the early history of New York and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.