Let’s imagine it is 1726, and you’re a French soldier in a new land fighting for freedom. Or, you could continue to pretend you’re a British or American soldier for hundreds of years after too.

“Until 1963, when the Army left here for the very last time,” Jere Brubaker, assistant director of Old Fort Niagara said. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • Old Fort Niagara has a rich history, spanning hundreds of years and multiple conflicts

  • Jere Brubaker is the assistant director, and he shares his insights on the fort

  • All the buildings are from the 18th century, with the exception of a few structures

  • Volunteers give demonstrations, and tours are also self-guided

 

That’s Old Fort Niagara’s history in a very, very condensed nutshell. 

“All the buildings here, with the exception of some structures, are original 18th century structures,” he said. 

Brubaker and the rest of the staff at the fort are now tasked with maintaining the buildings and grounds for people to enjoy. 

And there’s a lot to see. 

Room after room is recreated to look as it did in the 1700s, including a recreated junior officers room.

In the castle, you’ll find a trade room, a chapel, a powder magazine, soldiers’ barracks, and officer’s room, just to name a few. 

“One of the earliest Catholic chapels on the Great Lakes,” Brubaker said. 

Outside the castle, you’ll find volunteers giving demonstrations. There’s also a provision house and the powder magazine. 

“Fort Niagara was key to the Great Lakes shipping movement,” he explained. 

Old Fort Niagara was part of the French and Indian War, The American Revolution, The War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I.

“World War II as well, that would be taking in the whole park,” Brubaker said. 

The fort sits inside Fort Niagara State Park. A drive in the car takes you to see other historic buildings, even former POW camps, which are now soccer fields. 

“The whole park is an Army base,” he said. 

Meaning there is something for everyone.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tours are self-guided. Tickets can be purchased once you’ve made your ‘Trip on a Tankful’ to the park.