Conclusion

Old Fort Niagara is an excellent example of living history. Since before 1679 the spot of land on which Fort Niagara stands has been a center of political, social and military importance. In fact the Association provides many "living" history programs through out the year. Each building at one time or another provides the public with costumed staff that present demonstrations of both a civilian and a military nature.

History comes to life for the visitors as they witness baking, general everyday activities, musket demonstrations and even artillery firing. Today visitors come from around the world to visit a unique historic site that bears witness to every period of American History all in one place somehow defying time and space.

The historic value of Old Fort Niagara has been recognized by people for more than a hundred and fifty years. Its value was recognized even while the Fort's history was unfolding during the 1840's when Americans were becoming interested in our nation's colonial past. It is important to remember that what we see today at Old Fort Niagara is a direct result of local people and a cooperating War Department who in recognizing something of value in their own backyard and acting to save the fort.

The fort provides on going archaeological programs, scholarly research works published through the Association and an on going and active interpretative study program. Today the fort hosts some of the largest reenactment group gatherings (open to the public) as well as daily tours.

The Association is currently attempting to create a first class on site museum, and maintaining the restored flag that actually flew over the fort from 1809 to 1813. The Fort also houses a wonderful photographic collection and a valuable research library.

Contacting the Fort

The Fort Niagara Director is Robert Emerson. The address for the fort is: Old Fort Niagara Association, PO Box 169, Youngstown, New York 14174-0169. To arrange for group tours call 716-745-7611.

Special Thanks to Mr. Emerson and the Staff of Old Fort Niagara

The authors would like to thank Mr. Emerson and the various unsung staff members who assisted us in reviewing this article for historical accuracy. If there are any inaccuracies they are ours and not Mr. Emerson's or the staffs.

More Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara Introduction
Forts Conti and Denonville (slow: 175K)
Siege of Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War (slow: 200K)
American Revolution and War of 1812 (slow: 263K)
A Brief Tour of the Existing Buildings (75K)
Conclusion and Contacts (slow: 187K)
Bookstore Buys
Re-enactors and Fort George Photos (very slow: 408K)
Pre-renovation: 1926 Photos (very slow: 268K)
1909 Postcard of Old Fort Niagara (slow: 165K)

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