Warzone Niagara 5: Old Fort Erie



Fort Niagara features more interpretation than other sites. Visitors can expect a guided tour, musket demonstrations, and stone-oven shortbread cookies.
 


Fort Niagara is stone fort with complicated Earthworks, along with an impressive gatehouse and barracks.
 


The Central section of the Fort contains the barracks, officer's quarters, kitchen, and gun shed.
 


The Earthworks, Gates, and Tunnels create a complicated maze for any potential invaders. In addition, attackers are always at a low elevation, leaving them vulnerable to musket and cannon fire.
 

General Description

Fort Erie is the last stop on the Tour. It is a reconstructed British fort that was the site of the last major engagement of the War of 1812. Today, it is interpreted complete with costumed staff, an on-site museum, and musket demonstrations. Guided tours are available at certain times throughout the day. Fort Niagara is Open from May to October, and finishes its season with Halloween-themed events. They also host events throughout the Summer months. Current admission prices can be found at: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-fort-erie/

Historical Attributes

Fort Erie was established as a British fort, and was captured and recaptured several times during the war of 1812. Fort Erie is the site of the last major engagement of the war, which lead to a standoff and the subsequent destruction of the fort and the retreat of the American army. Following the battle of Lundy's lane, the American army retreated to and fortified the British fort. The British advanced on Fort Erie, but were unable to take the well-defended fort. Eventually, a committed British attack breached the walls. With no further options, the Americans detonated the Fort's powder magazine, destroying the Fort and the British soldiers inside. Following the war, the Fort was not reconstructed, and was left to ruins for many years. In the early 20th century, the Fort was rebuilt by the Provincial and Federal Government, along with the Niagara Parks Commission.

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Address

350 Lakeshore Rd
Fort Erie, ON
Canada L2A 1B1

Contact Information

Phone: (905) 871-0540
Website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-fort-erie/

Hours of Operation (Seasonal May-October)

Sunday from : 10:00 AM   to : 5:00 PM
Monday from : 10:00 AM   to : 4:00 PM
Tuesday from : 10:00 AM   to : 4:00 PM
Wednesday from : 10:00 AM   to : 4:00 PM
Thursday from : 10:00 AM   to : 4:00 PM
Friday from : 10:00 AM   to : 4:00 PM
Saturday from : 10:00 AM   to  : 5:00 PM

Accessiblilty

While the modern museum is accessible, the rest of the site will be difficult to navigate for those with accessibility issues.

Additional Sources of Information

Babcock, L.L. "The Siege of Fort Erie." Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association, vol. 8, 1909, pp. 38–59.


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