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French and Indian War Encampment description of public events at OFN

by jmaloni
Tue, Jun 26th 2012 07:00 am

All weekend: Shop at dozens of period merchants and artisans arrayed on the fort's expansive parade ground. Visit 18th century camps that function as they did more than 250 years ago. Inspect the fort's original 18th century buildings, brought alive by hundreds of re-enactors, discover 18th century medical practices and find out what people ate, where they slept and how they lived.

Friday, July 6

10 a.m. "Trooping of the Colors"

The trooping is a formal 18th century military ceremony where unit flags are paraded in front of the assembled soldiers to help reinforce loyalty to the regiment and the king. Join the troops on the fort's glacis as they take part in this colorful and impressive ceremony steeped in hundreds of years of military tradition.

11 a.m. "Frontier Raid"

Stand with the defenders of an English frontier settlement as they defend against a French and Indian raid. Discover the perils of frontier life and relive the experiences of captives as they are taken back to Fort Niagara.

11:30 a.m. "Native American Council"

Listen in as Sir William Johnson hears the concerns of the Six Nations and enlists their support in the expedition against Fort Niagara.

Lunch enjoy salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, hot pretzels, ice cream, milkshakes and much more.

12:30 p.m. "Dauphin Battery Artillery Salute"

Feel the ground rumble under your feet as French cannoniers fire the big guns in the fort's Dauphin Battery. Discover what it took to be an 18th century artillerist when muzzle-loading cannons were the "ultimate argument of kings."

1 p.m. "A Concert of Military Musick"

Thrill to the sounds of fifes and drums as the assembled musicians of both French and British forces present military and civilian favorites from the 1750s.

1:30 p.m. "18th Century Games" and "British Engineering Demonstration" (concurrent activities)

Enjoy some low-tech fun playing centuries old games next to the French Castle or meet the British engineer and learn his plans for besieging Fort Niagara.

2 p.m. "British Artillery Demonstration"

Learn how British artillerists plan to batter down Fort Niagara's walls with their cannon and see a British gun fired at the fort.

2:15 p.m. "Rutherford's Embassy"

Join British Capt. Walter Rutherford as he ventures into the French-held Fort Niagara to demand the post's surrender. Watch as the fort's commandant, Pierre Pouchot, politely refuses the British demand.

2:45 p.m. "Weapons of the Siege"

Find out how muskets, mortars and guns work and how they influence the battle tactics you are about to witness.

3 p.m. "Battle Re-enactment"

View a massed British assault on the fort from the birds-eye-view of the fort's ramparts. See British regulars, provincial troops, rangers and Native Allies attack the French defenders posted in the fort's outer earthworks.

4:30 p.m. "Kids Drill"

Kids of all ages can pick up a wooden musket and participate in a military exercise from the 1750s.

Saturday, July 7

9:30 a.m. "18th Century Lacrosse Game"

Discover the Native American game of Lacrosse, "the little brother of war," as it was played in the 1750s.

10:30 a.m. "British Engineering Demonstration"

Meet the British military engineer and learn his plans for besieging Fort Niagara.

11 a.m. "Skirmish Between French and British pickets"

Get a close up view as French pickets attack the British siege trenches in an attempt to learn the strength of the British besiegers.

11:30 a.m. "French-Native Council"

Listen in as the Seneca warrior Kaendae brokers a deal with his French allies to withdraw Native support from the British.

Lunch enjoy salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, hot pretzels, ice cream, milkshakes and much more.

12:30 p.m. "Musket vs. Rifle Demonstration"

Witness the capabilities of small arms used during the French and Indian War. Help the participants determine how fast and how far they can shoot.

1:30 p.m. "Dauphin Battery Artillery Salute"

Feel the ground rumble under your feet as French cannoniers fire the big guns in the fort's Dauphin Battery. Discover what it took to be an 18th century artillerist when muzzle-loading cannons were the "ultimate argument of kings."

2 p.m. "A Concert of Military Musick"

Thrill to the sounds of fifes and drums as the assembled musicians of both French and British forces present military and civilian favorites from the 1750s.

2:45 p.m. "Weapons of the Siege"

Find out how muskets, mortars and guns work and how they influence the battle tactics you are about to witness.

3 p.m. "Battle Re-enactment"

View a French counterattack on British forces from a birds-eye-perspective atop the fort's ramparts. See if the French soldiers will be able to raise the siege and preserve Fort Niagara for King Louis.

4 p.m. "18th Century Games"

Enjoy some low-tech fun playing centuries old games next to the French Castle.

7:30 p.m. "David Starbuck Lecture"

The famed archaeologist will discuss his work at Fort William Henry and other French and Indian War sites. In the Visitor Center.

Sunday, July 8

11a.m. "Battle of La Belle Famille"

Witness the last hope for the French holding Fort Niagara as a powerful relief force tries to break through but is defeated, sealing the fate of the fort. After the battle, join Sir William Johnson as he tries to ransom French captives from his Native allies.

12:30 p.m. "Dauphin Battery Artillery Salute"

Feel the ground rumble under your feet as French cannoniers fire the big guns in the fort's Dauphin Battery. Discover what it took to be an 18th century artillerist when muzzle-loading cannons were the "ultimate argument of kings."

1 p.m. "British Court Martial"

Join Pvt. Phillip Campbell as he defends against a charge of desertion to the French. Will he be found guilty and suffer death?

2 p.m. "A Concert of Military Musick"

Thrill to the sounds of fifes and drums as the assembled musicians of both French and British forces present military and civilian favorites from the 1750s.

2:45 p.m. "Weapons of the Siege"

Find out how muskets, mortars and guns work and how they influence the battle tactics you are about to witness.

3 p.m. "Battle Re-enactment"

The British make their final assault on the fort, overrun the French troops in the outer earthworks and force the French troops to surrender the fort.

3:45 p.m. "French Capitulation"

Join the troops as they recreate the dignified surrender of Fort Niagara to the British on July 25, 1759. Discover why the French had to stand in ranks for 30 hours after the surrender and witness the changing of the guard from French to British soldiers.

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