Published: June 30, 2009 10:44 pm      

FORT NIAGARA: French & Indian War celebrates proper 250th anniversary

The drama that unfolded at Fort Niagara that sultry summer night in 1759 would end with the French officers running up the flag of surrender to the British at the garrison known as the House of Peace.

Now, 250 years later, the reenactment of that siege is billed as the signature event for the New York State commemoration of that French & Indian War battle. The activities start Friday and run through Sunday.

It also was known as the War of Conquest and as the Seven Year’s War.

For the three day event, some 2,400 re-enactors from several states and Canada will be camped out on the grounds in front of the French Castle (circa. 1726) and in a few other spots during the biggest “battle” of its kind to mark the milestone in North American history.

The original attack of Fort Niagara actually began on July 6, 1759, when British Brig. Gen. John Prideaux and his army of 2,300 soldiers and nearly 1,000 Iroquois warriors surrounded the blockhouse and fortress held by French Capt. Pierre Pouchot and his 600 troops.

Although the British bombardment of cannons and mortars continued day and night, the fearless French defenders managed to hold out for almost three weeks.

All hope for the French to prevail was lost when a 1,500-member support force from the Ohio Valley arrived near the village (along the present site of River Road) and encountered an aggressive British unit a mile south of the fort.

Captain Pouchot surrendered the fort to the British on July 25, 1759.

When it was captured, Fort Niagara was one of the most significant military posts on the Great Lakes, according to Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association.

“Its strategic location was the key to controlling the entire continent,” he said, “The events and programs planned for this special anniversary illustrate 18th century life and colonial battles like nothing we have ever done before at the fort,” he added.

A living history encampment throughout the grounds at the landmark site will recreate the siege with re-enactors portraying British and French forces and American Indian warriors.

The re-enactment activities are set to begin at 10 a.m. Friday and run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors will have a chance to enjoy a nighttime artillery bombardment and fireworks display, extensive battle re-enactments on land and sea, hands-on demonstrations for all ages, local craftsmen’s goods, military music and children’s games.

The long weekend and its pageantry where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario has been heavily promoted across the Empire State and in many major markets within a same-day drive of the Niagara area.

Fort officials note advance stories on the anniversary have been carried by the Associated Press news wire service and in the print and broadcast media in several states and provinces.

Buffalo’s four television stations also have focused on the build-up to the special events.

“Visiting Old Fort Niagara to experience this fascinating re-enactment will provide a one-of-a-kind experience into an era when nations fought for world dominance right here in our own backyard,” said Nicholas Westbrook, director emeritus of Fort Ticonderoga and vice chair of the New York State French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commission.

“It is an international and multi-cultural story about the birth of nations and it truly was America’s first participation in a world war,” Westbrook added.

For other information including the hours of operation, visit the Web site at www.oldfortniagara.org or call 745-7611.