Defending Niagara: A War of 1812 Weekend

On Labor Day weekend, visitors to Old Fort Niagara will step back in time to the War of 1812 as the historic site presents Defending Niagara. Re-enactors portraying both United States and British forces will gather at the fort for two days of military demonstrations, artillery firings, uniform programs, Regency women’s fashions and interactive recruiting programs for families.

At noon each day, the fort will present a hot-shot demonstration, showing the impact of red hot cannon balls of the type used against Fort George during the War of 1812. On Saturday, U.S. forces will be joined by the guard from Fort George to stage a battle reenactment at 3:00 p.m.

Noted War of 1812 historian Richard V. Barbuto will speak about the 1814 campaign along the Niagara on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Two hundred and ten years ago, the Niagara frontier was in the throes of a violent and destructive war. How, did this situation begin?  How did it end? Barbuto, emeritus professor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, will answer these questions in a special presentation in the Visitor Center Theater. Barbuto is the author of several books on the War of 1812, most recently, New York’s War of 1812: Politics, Society and Combat.

Ongoing activities throughout the weekend include Early 19th Century Soldier Life, Blacksmithing, Hornsmithing, Leatherwork, Cooking and Foodways and Children’s Games.   Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:45)