Brigade of the American Revolution

Although a lengthy trip for some members, this outstandingly attractive site with activities and amenities makes this an event which will be memorable for years.  The region has many tourist attractions to encourage you to make it a vacation destination.  It is rare for us to have an event in a true fortress.

 

If you have not yet visited the fort, you are in for a treat. The fort and its grounds are beautifully preserved and huge compared to most others. The fort is fully capable of accommodating our organizations and is experienced in doing so.  They have for decades hosted the largest annual French and Indian War reenactment, with hundreds of participants and thousands of visitors.  OFN website is www.oldfortniagara.org  You should especially be interested in their “History” page.  During the American Revolution, it held a large British garrison, was a center for raising Loyalist corps, and was the base of operations for numerous British raids into Western settlements including those at Wyoming and Cherry Valley.  These raids were so provocative, that in 1779 Washington sent half his army under Gen. John Sullivan to take the Iroquois and Fort Niagara out of the war.  Due to slow movement, Sullivan turned back in late summer when 80 miles from the Fort, though he devastated the Iroquois lands.

 

The program will be presented as a multi-day siege as though Sullivan had reached the Fort with several day and evening battles beginning on Friday.  Much of the days will be filled with interpretive programs engaging volunteer distaff and troops.  We’ll have a laundry, hospital, grand and petty sutlers, and other programs our participants bring.

 

 

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The Niagara Falls region is of course a tourist’s dream.  We will accommodate our members by opening the site for camping on Friday and allowing folks to stay through Monday morning.  Folks wishing to vacation for a longer time to visit attractions can take advantage of commercial camping grounds nearby.  We will provide free shuttle service to and from downtown Niagara Falls (10 miles away).  The Falls are spectacular, and are surrounded by the gorgeous 400-acre Niagara Falls State Park.  Attractions at the falls include the Maid of the Mist boat ride or the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, the wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck at Cave of the Winds and Bridal Veil Falls, and helicopter tour to see the Falls from on-high.  Within walking distance are the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, the Art Alley public mural project, the Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center, the Aquarium of Niagara (with penguins), the Wax Museum of History, and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.  Nearby driving tours include the Erie Canal and local wineries, breweries, cideries and meaderies.  Buffalo is nearby with all of its attractions including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Ontario, Canada on the other side of the Niagara River has many attractions as well for those with passports.  We will attempt to secure discounts for our members at many of these places and local restaurants and hotels.  (The falls themselves and many others are free, anyway.)  www.niagarafallsusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/

 

Event amenities will include garrison accommodations (inside the Castle and the two stone blockhouses we can accommodate hundreds), light breakfast, an evening Tavern; and a historic tour of the fort.

 

So, start making plans for a trip to Fort Niagara in 2024.  This site is (according to Google) 7 ½ hours from Boston, 7 hours from New York City or Montreal, 7 ¼ from Philadelphia, 7 ¾ hours from Washington, 10 ½ from Charlotte, 4 hours from Detroit, etc.

 

The four battles will appeal to military members.  Interpreters will find much time available with the public and are encouraged to register any specialized interpretive event they conduct.