An Outing to the Niagara Frontier ..., Page
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Trivia about Fort Niagara:
• 1000 years earlier the Indians used this spot already as trading grounds.
• When construction began in 1726, fevers broke out and the work had to be
halted and the garrison moved to Montreal. They came back in 1727 and
finished the work.
• The glass came all the way from France and the picture above the well
depicts King Louis XIV.
• 80 % of the stone work is original stone.
• In 1915, earth movement caused a crack in the wall and the military wanted
to let it go to ruins but civilians kept it up to preserve this part of
history.
• Originally built for 60 people, it often housed over 1000 inside and
another 5000 natives on the grounds around the building.
• It was Louis Thomas Charbert de Joncaire who persuaded Seneca Indians to
build on this spot as a defense against the Iroquois.
• The Iroquois in turn supported the British in their siege of July 6, 1759.
By July 24th it lay in shambles as the French support could not get to them
and they surrendered on July 25th.
All who took part in this day’s educational outing agreed that it was great.
We learned a lot, ate too much and laughed a lot - perfect ingredients for a
perfect day. Thanks again to our Events Coordinator for making it possible.
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