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The Recreated 8th Regiment of Foot at Old Fort Niagara. (Submitted photo)
The Recreated 8th Regiment of Foot at Old Fort Niagara. (Submitted photo)

Old Fort Niagara commemorates 'shot heard round the world'

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Mon, Apr 7th 2025 01:50 pm

Old Fort Niagara Press Release & Photo

On April 19, the nation commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution (April 19, 1775). On that date, 250 years ago, British soldiers and Massachusetts militia clashed in the battles of Lexington and Concord. Although far from the scene of the action, Fort Niagara has a strong connection to the events of that fateful day.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Fort Niagara will present a special program in the Visitor Center Theater highlighting Niagara’s connection to the beginning of the American Revolution. The presentation will be followed by a walking tour of the site focusing on the fort’s appearance during the War for Independence. The program will conclude with a spotlight on the soldiers who garrisoned the frontier outpost throughout the conflict.

Fort Niagara was originally built by the French in 1726. Captured by the British during the French and Indian War, the site was occupied by British troops throughout the entire revolution. The outpost served as a base for raids against the New York and Pennsylvania frontiers and became a haven for Loyalist and Native American refugees.

The program is included with regular admission to Fort Niagara. More information is available at www.oldfortniagara.org.

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