The fort was originally built in 1726 by France and played an important role in the struggle between Britan and France. It also was a training ground and barracks for troops during both world wars. Today, it is restored and serves as a historic monument and is open to the public year round. But it almost was lost to history in the early 1900’s as time and nature worked to destroy the oldest structures. By 1914, a corner of the seawall and a portion of the French Castle were beginning to collapse. Around 1920 the roof of the storehouse was so damaged the building was unusable. But the surrounding community of Youngstown took an interest in saving the historic landmark.
By 1922 several groups had formed and were working to get it restored. In 1924 the first victory came with the repair of the failing seawall. 1927 marked the true turnaround for the ancient fort, as federal funds were being supplemented with private funds to repair the ailing buildings. A full restoration was completed in 1934.
Today school children and tourists file through the grand gatehouse to view how life was for the earliest inhabitents-and of course, hear the inevidable ghost stories. The most commonly told is the headless ghost of the well, located in the French Castle. As the story goes, there was a fight over a woman between two soilders, to be resolved by dual. The loser was beheaded and his body disposed of in the well. He is said to still roam the roams and halls of the Castle to this day.
Below are products featuing a photograph of Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown NY as seen from Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada.
