Old Fort Erie, also known as Fort Erie, or the Fort Erie National Historic Site of Canada, was the first British fort to be constructed as part of a network developed after the Seven Years' War was ...
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Old Fort Erie, located in Ontario, Canada, has a rich history and hosts significant reenactments, particularly related to the War of 1812.
Historical Significance of Old Fort Erie: Establishment: Old Fort Erie, also known as Fort Erie, was the first British fort constructed as part of a network after the Seven Years' War (known as the French and Indian War in the colonies) following the Treaty of Paris in 1763, where France ceded its territories east of the Mississippi River to Great Britain.
Early Usage: Originally built in 1764, the fort was a key supply depot and port for ships transporting goods, troops, and passengers via Lake Erie to the Upper Great Lakes.
War of 1812: The fort was the site of the bloodiest battles during the War of 1812. It played a significant role, being captured and recaptured by American and British forces. The fort was unfinished when the United States declared war in 1812, and it witnessed several key engagements, including a British siege and an American sortie, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
Reenactments at Old Fort Erie: Annual Event: The Annual Siege of Old Fort Erie Reenactment is a significant event, usually held in August. It's Canada's largest and longest-running battle reenactment weekend. This event vividly portrays the historical significance of Fort Erie during the War of 1812, including the engagements and life during that time.
Activities and Features: The reenactment includes hundreds of historical reenactors from across Ontario and the United States, demonstrating why Fort Erie is known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Visitors can see an authentic military encampment and various demonstrations of 19th-century military life.
Schedule and Access: The fort opens to the public at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. each day of the event, offering hourly guided tours and special evening lantern tours. The battle reenactments and camp areas are free to the public, with all battles taking place in the South Field behind the Fort.
Restoration and Present Day: The fort underwent a reconstruction starting in 1937, restoring it to its 1812-1814 period appearance. This restoration was jointly sponsored by the Provincial and Federal governments and the Niagara Parks Commission. Notably, during the restoration, a mass grave of soldiers was uncovered, leading to the erection of a monument on the site.
These reenactments at Old Fort Erie offer a unique and immersive way to experience and learn about a pivotal period in North American history, particularly the...
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Our visit to Old Fort Erie turned out to be an incredible experience, even though it was initially unplanned. As we drove past, the sight of people in historical costumes drew us in, prompting us to stop and explore. Upon entering the visitor center, we discovered the admission prices were very reasonable, offering great value. While the staff at the visitor center weren’t particularly enthusiastic, we decided to purchase tickets for two adults and one child.
After watching an informative video on the history of Old Fort Erie, we were introduced to our guide, Grayson. From the moment we started the tour, Grayson’s passion and deep knowledge of the fort’s history were evident. He brought the past to life in a way that was both engaging and educational, making the tour an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend visiting Old Fort Erie—it's a fantastic opportunity to delve into Canada’s history, and the experience is well worth the...
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I went here last Tuesday and it was great. It's off season now because the weather is getting colder by days so there were not so many visitors around but it was still amazing to be there. The admission ticket for adult is around 13cad. And it will take you around one hour to finish with the tour. They will start with a movie screening at the beginning and will walk around the fort afterwards. My guide name was Oliver and he explained us many things. The fort was still intact and still in a good shape here and there. We got to see the musket demonstration and there's another young man wearing the American uniform. It's interesting to see the contrast. The kitchen was probably the most fun one. I love how we can see their cooking equipment. And we also got to taste their cookies. There's also an exhibit at the admission center you can check out while waiting...
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