Fort Niagara's 'Soldiers of the Revolution' shares Niagara Frontier history from American Revolution

Event is Aug. 10 & 11

The Niagara Frontier in the midst of the American Revolution will be the theme of re-enactment activities at “Soldiers of the Revolution” at Old Fort Niagara, Aug. 10-11.

Visitors will have opportunities to meet soldier and civilian re-enactors from the American and British camps, watch artillery and battle demonstrations, join a tour and learn about the conflict, listen to fifes and drums play period music, peek in on British justice practices and Native ransoms, pick sides for a mock wooden-musket battle, and play period games.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

During the American Revolution (1775-83), Fort Niagara was a strategic location for the British and their allies on the Niagara Frontier. It also served as a safe place for British-aligned Native Americans and British loyalist settlers who were threatened and ousted from their communities by the Continental Army and its allies.

“The history of Fort Niagara as a strategic planning hub and safe place for refugees will be woven into the re-enactment activities,” said Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. “This event is a great way to learn about our region’s role and alliances during the American Revolution and how they influenced the war.”

Program Schedule

Visitors should arrive an hour before the battle demonstrations to allow time to get through admissions and to the viewing areas. The following schedule applies to Saturday and Sunday.

• 10 a.m.: Morning formation and flag-raising
• 10:15 a.m.: Manual exercise
• 10:30 a.m.: Tour Fort Niagara in the American Revolution
• 11 a.m.: Native refugees arrive at the fort
• 11:30 a.m.: Musket vs. rifle demonstration
• Noon: Artillery demonstration
• 1 p.m.: Music of the American Revolution
• 1:30 p.m.: Uniforms and clothing of the Frontier War
• 2 p.m.: Battle demonstration
• 2:30 p.m.: Prisoner ransom
• 3 p.m.: Recruiting demonstration for kids
• 3:30 p.m.: 18th century games
• 4:15, 5:15, 6 p.m. Musket demonstration

Ongoing demonstrations include: woodworking, blacksmithing, Native American material culture, and foodways (cooking).

The Officers’ Club, just outside the fort's footprint, will be open during “Soldiers of the Revolution” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for tours and access to the World War II display. The lighthouse will also be open from noon to 3 p.m.

Food, snacks, drinks and ice cream will be available for sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the log cabin.

The cost to attend the event is $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. “Soldiers of the Revolution” is free for children ages 5 and under, and for members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.

Upcoming Events at Fort Niagara

•BPO performs at Old Fort Niagara, Aug. 4

•War of 1812 Encampment, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1: The War of 1812 comes to life as British and American forces gather at Old Fort Niagara. The event features battle reenactments, living history camps, uniform programs and a Saturday night battle that recreates the 1813 British capture of the fort.

•Flintlocks and Council Fires (daily summer program), ongoing through August: Daily programs explore the history of Native American, French, British and U.S. soldiers and camp followers who lived here between 1726 and 1815. Included: regular musket and cannon firings, field music, cooking and other history interpretation ongoing daily.

•Lighthouse open to the public, through Oct. 14 (noon-3 p.m. daily): Free admission for visitors; guests must be at least 4 feet tall and sign a waiver.

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in July and August. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Old Fort Niagara is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association (a not-for-profit organization) in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.