Old Fort Niagara will share American Revolution history with the public on August 5 and 6, when it presents “Soldiers of the Revolution” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This reenactment complements the daily summer programming currently happening at the fort, which features the British occupation of the fort from 1775-1783.
“Fort Niagara was a British stronghold during the American Revolution and many successful attacks against the American colonists were strategized from here,” said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. “During ‘Soldiers of the Revolution,’ visitors can meet soldier and civilian reenactors from both camps, watch a battle demonstration, and learn about the fort’s strategic importance to the British during the war.”
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| At 2 p.m. on August 5 and 6, battle demonstrations will happen at Old Fort Niagara portraying those that happened across the Niagara Frontier during the American Revolution. |
“Soldiers of the Revolution” Daily Schedule for August 5 and 6
10:00 a.m. Morning Formation and Flag Raising – reenactors parade with their colors
10:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration (Saturday only)
11:00 a.m. Who’s Who on the New York Frontier – learn about the conflict and the key players at Fort Niagara
Noon Artillery Demonstration
1:00 p.m. Rifle vs. Musket Demonstration
1:30 p.m. Military Music
2:00 p.m. Battle Demonstration – watch the British fight against rebel forces from within the fort
2:30 p.m. Prisoner Ransom
3:00 p.m. Recruiting Demonstration for Kids – soldiers will recruit visitors to join the loyalist and rebel armies
3:30 p.m. 18th Century Games
4:15 p.m. Musket Demonstration
5:15 p.m. Musket Demonstration
6:00 p.m. Musket Demonstration
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Visitors will encounter British and American camps
and re-enactors at Old Fort Niagara’s “Soldiers of the
Revolution,” August 5 and 6. A British camp is shown here.
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The Officers’ Club, just outside the fort's footprint, will be open during "Soldiers of the Revolution" from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. for tours and access to the World War II display. The lighthouse will also be open from noon to 3 p.m.
The cost to attend the event is regular admission to the fort ($12/adult, $8/child ages 6-12, free/children 5 and under) and is free to members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.
Old Fort Niagara’s American Revolution theme continues as part of its daily summer programming through August. Visitors to the fort will learn about the fort’s role in the American Revolution, including relationships with the Native people; preparing the fort for possible attack by American rebels; the fort as a gathering place for loyalists and Natives seeking refuge from British King George III; and the fort’s role in preparing for raids on the Mohawk Valley.
OTHER SUMMER EVENTS AT THE FORT:
July 8-October 9 LIGHTHOUSE Open the Public (12-3 p.m. daily)
Free admission for visitors; must be at least 4 feet tall and sign a waiver
September 2 & 3 RE-ENACTMENT War of 1812 Encampment
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| Native allies were critical to British success on the New York Frontier during the American Revolution. At “Soldiers of the Revolution,” Natives trade with British officers during prisoner negotiations. |
Experience the surprise British attack on Fort Niagara that took place on December 19, 1813. Tactical and weapons demonstrations from the War of 1812 with unique Saturday evening battle.
Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in July and August and the gates remain open until 7 p.m. Old Fort Niagara is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association (a not-for-profit organization) in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos courtesy of Wayne Peters.