Fort George

Fort George is a reconstructed British military installation along the Niagara River featuring several wooden blockhouses, timber palisades, earthen ramparts, and an open parade ground at its center. The site spans numerous acres and displays the architectural layout typical of early 19th-century frontier forts.

British forces built the fort between 1796 and 1802 as a defensive position during a period of tension between colonial powers. American troops destroyed it during the War of 1812, after which it was reconstructed based on historical records and archaeological findings.

The fort functions as a living history space where visitors watch costumed interpreters demonstrate how soldiers lived and worked in the 19th century. You can observe traditional crafts, cooking methods, and the rhythms of garrison life as people experienced it then.

The site is open daily from May through September with regular tours led by costumed interpreters. Allow time to walk the grounds and observe demonstrations, and note that summer weekends tend to have more activities and larger crowds.

The powder magazine is the only original structure surviving from 1796 and represents the oldest military building from that era in the region. This sturdy building withstood the destruction of 1812 and offers a genuine connection to the actual construction methods of the period.

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Inception: 1796

Website: https://pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge

GPS coordinates: 43.25083,-79.06111

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07