Father Millet Cross, Bronze memorial cross in Fort Niagara State Park, US
The Father Millet Cross is a bronze memorial standing on the shores of Lake Ontario at Fort Niagara State Park in New York. It marks the location where the Niagara River flows into the lake, forming a key landmark within the historic fort grounds.
A French priest erected the original wooden cross in 1688 to commemorate 88 soldiers who perished during the early years at the fort. The bronze memorial that stands today replaced the wooden structure and preserves the memory of the difficult beginnings of this colonial outpost.
The cross displays a Latin inscription reflecting the French missionary presence in the region during the colonial period. The message carved into the beam reveals the religious importance that early settlers attributed to this location.
The memorial sits within Fort Niagara State Park, where visitors can explore additional historic structures and waterfront views alongside the cross. The location remains accessible throughout the year and offers views of where the river meets the lake.
The cross once held the distinction of being the smallest national monument in the United States, occupying minimal ground space. This unusual status made it a notable case in American monument history before its transfer to New York State.
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