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Old Fort Niagara commemorates outbreak of revolution

by jmaloni

Press release

Wed, Apr 10th 2013 12:35 pm

On April 20-21, visitors to Old Fort Niagara will have the opportunity to explore the beginnings of the American Revolution with musket firings, storytelling, living history programs and ceremonies honoring veterans of more modern wars.

Patriots' Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord fought April 19, 1775, between British regulars and Massachusetts militia. The day is still a civic holiday in the states of Massachusetts and Maine, although the observance was moved to the third Monday of April in 1969.

The fort's Patriots' Day program will include demonstrations and special exhibits by re-enactors portraying British soldiers, American militia and loyalist irregulars.

Although Fort Niagara is 500 miles from Concord, Mass., the fort claims a direct connection to the fateful events that occurred there in April 1775. Lt. Colonel Francis Smith, who led the British column from Boston to Concord, commanded Fort Niagara from 1772 to 1774.

Patriots Day Schedule (both days)

  • 10 a.m.: Assembly - musket drill and firings
  • 11 a.m.: Recruiting demonstration. Join the Redcoats or the militia and fight a mock battle.
  • Noon: Storytelling - Lexington and Concord
  • 1 p.m.: Meet the soldier
  • 2 p.m.: Drill and musket firing followed by veterans honor ceremony
  • 3 p.m.: Parade and maneuvers

Veterans (past service or active duty) will be admitted free.

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