Recalling the Battle of Lundy's Lane | Niagara Falls Review

Recalling the Battle of Lundy's Lane | Niagara Falls Review

Reenactment and commemoration - British Attack on Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown will mark bicentennial of British attack

by jmaloni

Submitted

Fri, Nov 29th 2013 07:00 am

On the cold, snowy morning of Dec. 19, 1813, Fort Niagara and the tiny settlement of Youngstown received a visit from some unwelcome guests: 562 British soldiers and Native allies bent on capturing the fort and revenging the destruction of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) that had occurred just nine days prior. The force crossed the Niagara River near the present site of Stella Niagara and, by 4 a.m., began their march north along the portage road.

Reaching the fort at 5 a.m. the Redcoats surprised the sleeping garrison and forced their way through the fort's defenses. In a brief but bloody battle, the British captured the fort, killing 65 of the American defenders. With the fort secure, British forces proceeded to destroy settlements in the area, including Youngstown, Lewiston and Wilson. Those fortunate enough to escape fled toward Batavia. A newspaper of the era reported the roads were filled with refugees "reduced to the last degree of want and sorrow."

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of these dramatic events, Old Fort Niagara and the Village of Youngstown have joined forces to stage a series of re-enactments and educational programs on the exact anniversary of the attack. Re-enactors portraying British soldiers will charge the gates of the fort at 5 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, just as they did 200 years ago. Spectators will be able to watch the assault from a safe area, but they must arrive at the fort between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. to be admitted. The re-enactment will be followed by a brief memorial ceremony. Admission is free.

At 7:15 a.m., events will move to Falkner Park in Youngstown where re-enactors will light ceremonial flares and fire musket volleys as part of a brief public ceremony commemorating the burning of the village. This will be followed at 8:15 a.m. by two historical programs at St. John's Episcopal Church on Main Street. The Niagara County Historical Society will present a PowerPoint lecture on the War of 1812 followed by a screening of "Niagara on Fire," a video produced by the Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee. The video chronicles the Dec. 10 burning of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) by American forces.

Youngstown's restaurants will be open at 6 a.m. to offer a hot breakfast to the hardy attendees.

At 9:30 a.m., about 650 students from Lewiston-Porter, Wilson, Stella Niagara and Tuscarora Elementary will arrive at Fort Niagara for a special school program illustrating the 1813 capture of the fort. Interpreters in period uniform will describe how the fort was captured and demonstrate the weapons and tactics employed in the attack. By 11 a.m., the students will be bussed to four learning centers in the Village of Youngstown, where they will experience everyday life in the 1812 era and learn about such topics as Fort Niagara's 1812 flag, 1812 lifestyles, music, writing, maps, surveys and military life. The students' field trip will conclude with a screening of "Niagara on Fire" presented by the Niagara-on-the Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee.

Student programs will take place at the Youngstown Village Center (Red Brick School House), St. John's Episcopal Church, The First Presbyterian Church and St. Bernard's R.C. Church.

The event is underwritten by the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council through the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the Niagara County Host Community agreement. Other supporters include the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

The event has been in the planning stages since January and involves about 150 volunteers.

Niagara Frontier Publications

1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 • Phone: 716-773-7676 Fax: 716-773-7190

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U.S. Brig Niagara to visit Canalside

BUFFALO RISING

SARAH MAURER

U.S. Brig Niagara to visit Canalside

Navy week is upon us here in Buffalo, and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Buffalo Place, Inc. will be welcoming the U.S. Brig Niagara to Canalside as part of the naval celebration and to also commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. 

The Brig Niagara is a reproduction of the relief flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry that was part of a fleet of nine small ships that defeated a British squadron of six in the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 10, 1813. This 198-foot long vessel was launched in 1988 and finished in 1990. The ship still has original timbers that were recovered from the 1913 and 1933 reconstructions and also carries four 32-pounder carronades that are fired during day sails and in demonstrations. Eighteen professional merchant mariners and as many as 30 crewmembers and trainees sail on this vessel. 

The ship will arrive at Canalside at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12 and will host public tours and sails during its visit. Tickets for public tours can be purchased dockside at $6 per adult and $4 per child under age 12. Admission for children age four and under is free. There will also be two opportunities to take a public day sail on Sept. 17, where participants can get a feel for what life was like aboard a historical two-masted, square-rigged ship. Tickets for the educational day sails are $85 per person and can be purchased on the Brig Niagara website.

"We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Brig Niagara, her captain and crew to Canalside," said ECHDC Interim Chairman Sam Hoyt. "Having the Niagara tied to our Central Wharf, in conjunction with Buffalo's celebration of Navy Week and as a continuation of the War of 1812 bicentennial events, builds upon Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation's emphasis on public accessibility to the waterfront and exciting things to do."

The schedule for tours and public day sails is as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 13: Public Tours from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 14: Public Tours from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15: Public Tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 16: Public Tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 17: Public day sails from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m.