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Press release
The War of 1812 comes alive at Old Fort Niagara over Labor Day weekend as the historic site presents its annual War of 1812 Encampment. The highlight of the event will be a Saturday night battle recreating the British capture of Fort Niagara in December 1813.
During the demonstration, visitors will experience the British assault on the fort in real time, on the original ground where the event occurred almost 199 years ago.
Visitors are urged to arrive at the fort prior to 7 p.m., when doors will be closed to insure visitor safety. The evening's festivities will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a concert by the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums. The concert will be immediately followed by the battle re-enactment.
The weekend's events also feature daytime programming both Saturday and Sunday. Included in the schedule are uniform programs, regency-period country dancing, a recruiting demonstration for kids, artillery demonstrations and a battle re-enactment at 3 p.m. each day.
Old Fort Niagara was held by the U.S. in 1812 and 1813, but on the morning of Dec. 19, 1813, British forces captured the fort in the pre-dawn hours. The fort's surrender opened the door for the British devastation of the eastern shore of the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.
Approximately 100 re-enactors are expected to take part in the weekend's programming.
Old Fort Niagara is located in Youngstown, 14 miles north of Niagara Falls via the Robert Moses Parkway North. The fort opens at 9 a.m. daily year-round.
Old Fort Niagara War of 1812 Encampment Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 1
Sunday, Sept. 2