Fort Porter

Fort Porter was a military fortress located where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River, built with a square stone structure and defensive earthwork fortifications. The site was later transformed to serve as the foundation for the International Peace Bridge, which now spans from Buffalo to Canada across the river.

The fort was constructed during the 1840s and served as a military post through the Civil War and Spanish-American War. It remained active until 1924, when it was decommissioned and eventually repurposed.

The fort was a prominent military hub that shaped how locals viewed their waterfront for generations. The soldiers stationed there became woven into the community's identity and left lasting impressions on Buffalo's sense of place.

The site is now integrated into the Peace Bridge structure and can best be accessed from either the Canadian or American side of the bridge. Visitors should be aware that the location involves border crossing protocols and appropriate precautions.

A marble fireplace from the commandant's house has been preserved and now sits in the Peace Bridge administration building. This remnant connects the fort's abandoned military past with the modern infrastructure that replaced it.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.90060,-78.89670

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43