It is strange to drive up to an historic park in Canada and see an American flag flying.  But that is what happen when we visited Old Fort Erie – one of the Forts in the Niagara Parks.

In 1937 – 1939, Old Fort Erie was restored to the 1812-1814 period, and since The United States won that war, the American flag flies over the fort.

Inside the visitors center is an interesting museum.

The map on the floor gave a good overview of the area.

Ever-Lovin’ is standing beside an early rocket.

Did you know that Old Fort Erie was:

the site of ancient flint quarries;
the first fort built in Ontario by the British – in 1764 during Pontiac’s Rebellion;
a base for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Iroquois Warriors during the American Revolution (1775 – 1783);
Canada’s bloodiest field of battle with over 3,000 troops killed and wounded during the Siege of Fort Erie August 3 to September 21, 1814;
the major crossing point into Canada of the Underground Railroad 1793 – 1865;
occupied by the Fenians (Irish Republican Army) during their largest raid, 1866;
visited by Pontiac, General Brock, General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe, Prince Edward (future King Edward VII), Mark Twain;
saw the opening of a new visitor centre on July 1, 2011; and
celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Siege of Fort Erie in August, 2014. (Niagara Parks Website)

As in the other parks, costumed guides were on hand to answer questions.

This is the gate to the fort.  I love the heavy iron studs.

A unique highlight of the visit to Old Fort Erie was a demonstration of the firing of the little brass cannon.  There had to be so much preparation between each firing.  Then they lit the fuse and bang – That was it.  Very interesting.

Officers quarters were brightly painted.

The kitchen was a room where soldiers could relax.

Their beds were hard wooden platforms covered with ticking covered mattresses.

Just ignore the plastic spray bottle on the table.

The infirmary was also reconstructed.  Many school children tour the forts.  Seeing the costumed guides and various outfitted rooms makes history alive for children and adults alike.  Can you imagine having surgery on that table?

It always saddens me to see the monuments to fallen soldiers at the forts.

When the Erie Canal was completed, Fort Niagara’s was no longer important as a portage crossing.  Buffalo, New York is in the distance.

I can tell you honestly that I had no clue about the history of this area before our visit.  Live and learn.

Blessings to you and yours,

I have to show you these roses that were on the path to the visitor’s center.  They were such a deep dark red.  Beautiful!