Old Fort Niagara offers you a chance to step back in time to an era when great empires struggled for control of North America.
The three flags flown daily above the parade ground symbolize the nations which have held Fort Niagara. Each competed for the support of a fourth nation: the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. The French established the first post here, Fort Conti, in 1679. Its successor, Fort Denonville (1687-88) was equally short lived. In 1726 France finally erected a permanent fortification with the construction of the impressive "French Castle." Britain gained control of Fort Niagara in 1759, during the French & Indian War, after a nineteen-day seige. The British held the post throughout the American Revolution but were forced, by treaty, to yield it to the United States in 1796. Fort Niagara was recaptured by the British in 1813. It was ceded to the United States a second time in 1815 at the end of the War of 1812. (The entire history is here)
Among War of 1812 reenactments, one event is selected each year to be designated the “Grand Tactical” — the one event that every War of 1812 reenactor will strive to attend. As such the War of 1812 Grand Tactical at Old Fort Niagara on July 28-29 is destined to be the largest War of 1812 military reenactment of 2018 — US and British land forces; naval vessels, personnel and artillery; Native allies — from all over the US, Canada and beyond.
The event will feature a full and varied schedule of activities from 9:30 to 5:00 each day, including military and camp life, soldier and sailor skill demos, weapon and uniform demos, daily opposed sides tacticals, a select group of historical vendors selling their wares, Regency country dancing, and a guest speaker Saturday afternoon.
Silhouettes By Hand will be one of the hand-selected historic artisans featured in the market area. As a portrait artist catering to both visitor as well as military/reenactor interests, Silhouettes By Hand's portraits will be savored as Federal, Regency, civilian, or military profile portraits will be created. Come enjoy this traveling artist's studio as it sets up on the banks of Lake Ontario, facing the glorious Canada land.