Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tionary War, Britain built a much larger fort a little farther inland, which still guarded Lake
Erie and the entrance to the Niagara River.
This national historic site comes alive each July when reenactors dramatize the 1814
siege of Fort Erie, which was Canada's most deadly battlefield. More than 1,000 British
troops lost their lives, were injured or captured. The reenactment is a dramatic retelling of
the violent clash that occurred when British troops attempted to capture the fort held by
American forces. Duringthe two-day reenactment, visitors can take guided toursofthe fort
as well as British and American troop encampments. The evening tour by lantern light is
fun. Visitors will also witness various reenactments of skirmishes and assaults from the
siege battle.
The fort offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and families
who occupied the fort in the 1800s. Restored buildings include the Guard Room, Soldiers'
Barracks, and the Powder Magazine. The Officer's Quarters have real artifacts from an of-
ficer who lived here, such as the “traveling bed” of Capt. Kingsley of the 8th Regiment of
Foot. The canopy bed and other portable furniture were constructed so officers could easily
transport them.
Old Fort Erie stands guard over the eastern end of Lake Erie, where the Niagara River begins.
