Niagara Heritage Trail has Great History
September 19, 2013 10:20 am
The French came into the Great Lakes region in the 1600’s and built Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario as their primary post along the Niagara River.
The British established control by occupying the French forts and constructing a line of communications along the Niagara River and Upper Great Lakes.
Fort Erie was the first British fort to be constructed as part of this network.
The original fort, built in 1764, was located on the river’s edge below the present fort.
For the next 50 years, Fort Erie served as a supply depot and a port for ships transporting merchandise, troops and passengers to the Upper Great Lakes.
At the end of July, after the Battles of Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane, the American army withdrew to Fort Erie.
A full scale siege set in and it was broken on September 17 when American troops sortied out of the fort to capture and wreck the British siege batteries.
On the 5th of November 1814, with winter approaching, the Americans destroyed the fort and withdrew to Buffalo, leaving Fort Erie the bloodiest battlefield in the history of Canada.
Today, step inside Old Fort Erie as the Garrison of British, Canadian and Iroquois forces prepare to defend this outpost in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.
Location & Directions
350 Lakeshore Road
Fort Erie, Ontario
Canada (905) 871-0540
Map
Old Fort Erie is located in the town of Fort Erie, approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles), or a scenic 20-minute drive, south of Niagara Falls and is close to the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York. The grounds and the main floor rooms of the buildings are wheelchair accessible.
From Buffalo, New York, enter Canada across the Peace Bridge. After passing through customs and the toll booths, take an immediate right to Central Ave. Turn right onto Central Ave and follow toward Lake Erie. Turn right on Lakeshore Road, then follow the road a short distance to Old Fort Erie;
From Niagara Falls/St. Catharines/Toronto, follow the QEW south toward Fort Erie. Take the Central Ave. exit and turn right. Follow south toward the Niagara River. Turn right then follow the road for a short distance to Old Fort Erie.
Admission & Parking
Adults $12.25, Children (6 to 12 years) $7.95, CDN plus tax. Children 5 years and under are admitted for free at all Niagara Parks attractions. Free parking is available for visitors.
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