Saturday marked the start of the War of 1812 Encampment at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown. This event brought Living History re-enactors from across the Eastern United States and Canada to the Fort. For two days, they lived on site and participated in weapons demonstrations, marching drills, formations, and an assault on the fort. Over 60 re-enactors were in attendance at the Fort's weekend events, and several thousand people were expected to visit the Fort for the encampment.

The events at the Fort commemorate its extensive involvement in the War of 1812. During the War, American troop from Old Fort Niagara were sent out troops to raid southern Ontario and traded gunfire with Fort George and Fort Mississauga, explained Director of Operations Ray Wigle.

In December 1813, the British Army invaded from Canada and captured Fort Niagara in a 25-minute night-time attack. On Saturday evening, this attack was depicted in a re-enactment that recreated the daring assault.

The weekend's events were made even more special by their spectacular location. Old Fort Niagara is considered one of the best collections of pre-revolutionary in the country. Its oldest and largest building, the French Castle, was built in 1726, and is the oldest building on the Great Lakes.

While the sky was gray and the prospect for rain impeding, there were several hundred people at the Fort for the day's events, which included several demonstrations of uniforms, weapons, and battle tactics with muskets and cannons being fired. "The re-enactments are fascinating, and it is wonderful to see so many people out at the Fort even on such a dreary day," said Buffalo resident Jamie DiPerno. Amelia Woods of Niagara Falls, Ontario said she "found the Fort enchanting...it has this incredible history and amazing events all year round."

Earlier this month, the Fort's largest event, the French and Indian War Encampment, brought nearly one thousand Living History demonstrators to the fort to recreate the 1759 Siege of Niagara, in which the French lost control of the Fort to the British. Next year is the 250th anniversary of the 19-day siege, and will be "one of the largest events the Fort has hosted," said Mr. Wigle.

Next up at Old Fort Niagara is the Soldiers of the Revolution event on August 16-17. The weekend is focused on the American Revolution on the frontier of the colonies, and will feature British, Loyalist and Native forces battling Continental forces and the frontier militia. There will be skirmish demonstrations outside the Fort's walls, as well as activities for children.

More information on the history of the Fort as well as upcoming events can be found at https://oldfortniagara.org