Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site, NY

Under three different flags, Old Fort Niagara stood for over 200 years. The French recognized the importance of the location and built temporary forts here as early as 1678 under La Salle. In 1726, the actual Old Fort Niagara, which stands today, was built by the French and was a key location for fur traders.

The fort bothered Great Britain who wanted to control this settlement. In 1759, after an 18–day siege, the fort was surrendered to the English who improved it and continued to use it in the fur trade. It was used as a base for launching attacks in New York during the American Revolution. However, after the American Revolution, Great Britain relinquished the fort to the fledgling United States.

Great Britain would reclaim the fort temporarily during the War of 1812, but following the war, the United States took control once again.