Fort Porter facts for kids
Fort Porter was a military fort built in Buffalo, New York, between 1841 and 1844. It was named after General Peter Buell Porter, an important figure in American history. The fort was located near Porter Avenue, Busti Avenue, and the Erie Canal, which was a very important waterway at the time.
Fort Porter was first built as a large, two-story stone building called a redoubt. It was about 62 feet (19 meters) square and had walls with a special top shape called crenelated, like a castle. It was also surrounded by big earth walls and a moat, which is a ditch filled with water. People thought it was the biggest stone "blockhouse" ever built. Sadly, this main building burned down in November 1863. There was also a "castle" on the site, built in 1836 as a home for Colonel James McKay. When the government bought the land in 1841, this castle became the home for the fort's commander.
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Fort Porter's Role in Wars
Fort Porter was not always busy, but it became very important during different wars.
American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Fort Porter had not been used for a while. It quickly became the main office for the 74th Regiment of the New York Army National Guard. Ten barracks, which are buildings for soldiers to live in, were built. Each was 60 feet (18 meters) long and 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. The fort was used as a place where new soldiers could sign up to join the army.
Spanish-American War
In 1898, Fort Porter was needed again for the Spanish–American War. It became the main office for the 13th U.S. Infantry regiment.
World War I
The fort was used once more in 1917 during World War I. It was turned into a hospital for the U.S. Army, called Base Hospital 23. This hospital cared for soldiers until its medical unit was sent overseas. After World War I ended, Fort Porter became U.S. General Hospital 4. This hospital helped soldiers who were returning home wounded from the war.
End of Fort Porter
In 1926, the land where Fort Porter stood was sold. This was done to make space for the new Peace Bridge, which connects Buffalo to Canada. All parts of the old fort were removed. A special stone, called a boulder, that had been placed in 1899 to honor the soldiers, was moved to a spot outside the Buffalo History Museum.
Fort Porter Football Team
Fort Porter even had its own American football team! The team played in 1917 and again in 1920. They competed against other teams in a local league called the New York Pro Football League.
