 |
[?] Subscribe To This Site
| Home > Niagara on the Lake > Old Fort George |
Old Fort
George Attraction
Historic Fort George is among the best Niagara on the Lake attractions. Picture and tour details
Fort George is the historic site, an attraction in Niagara on the Lake town, located between the Queen's Parade road and Niagara River. The fort overlooks the Niagara River, and it is within walking distance from the Old Town and Peller Estate Winery.
Right before you enter Niagara on the Lake, you will see the
ramparts of this stronghold, on your right hand size from the Queen's Parade
road.On the parking lot of the fortress Niagara parks recreational trail starts and ends 35 miles further south at Fort Erie.
This is the trail that follows the Niagara River all its length.
History of the Old Fort George
Fort George was the British military headquarter in southern Ontario and the main depot of the British Indian Department. It was built between 1796 and 1799 and captured by invading American forces in 1813. The reasons behind might be the poor location, being too far from the mouth of the river to guard its entrance and at the same time on a shooting distance of the American gun batteries from the Fort Niagara.
After occupying the Canadian fort, they were using it as a base to invade the rest of Upper Canada.
Soon after the Americans destroyed the fort, British army abandoned it totally. At the end of the War of 1812 Fort Mississauga was built to replace Fort George.
The Fort George was created as the military response to Fort Niagara, built across the River on the American side.
The fort together with the existing Navy Hall buildings played a key role in the War of 1812 to defend Niagara on the Lake town and Niagara region and keeping it in Canadian hands.
During the American invasion, when they invaded Queenston, Commander-in-Chief Major-General Sir Isaac Brock was killed.
In 1930s the fort was reconstructed and became a military base for the new Dominion of Canada Army until 1965.
Historic Fort George Tour
While traveling Niagara Parkway and just before you reach the town of Niagara on the Lake on your right hand side, you will see a large wooden construction with the pentagonal stone walls.
When visiting the historic fort our recommendation is to take an hour or two tour and see the military and domestic demonstrations by costumed soldiers and hear about interesting history.
The tour will start right from the moment you enter the fort through the massive wooden main gates, and further through the historic sites of reconstructed guardhouse, elegant officers' quarters and offices, blockhouse, flag bastion and the most strategic artillery battery at Brock's bastion. The Powder Magazine was built in 1796 and is the oldest building in Niagara.
During the peak summer time when the main season is, you will be able to see regular reenactments performances where "soldiers" prepare and fire cannons or musket drill. The show is possible to see throughout the day and the tour is narrated by the knowledgeable costumed staff.
The fort staff in authentically recreated War of 1812 period uniforms will also demonstrate life at the time of the war presenting it through many interesting programs.
The north entrance from the fort is where the access point to the Trans-Canada Link Trail and Niagara River Recreational Trail is, which spans all the way to the Fort Erie. From the parking lot of Fort George starts the Greater Niagara Circle Route an awesome opportunity for family ride, cycling, roller skating...
Picture
is courtesy of Parks Canada
 |