Fort Schlosser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Schlosser |
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| Niagara Falls, New York | |
Remains of Fort Schlosser
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| Coordinates | 43°4′39.14″N 79°00′56.02″W / 43.0775389°N 79.0155611°W |
| Type | Military fortification |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Great Britain 1760-1812 US Army 1812–1813 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1760 |
| In use | 1760-1813 |
| Materials | wood |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Joseph Schlosser 1760-1764 |
| Garrison | British Army, US Army |
Fort Schlosser was an important military fort built in what is now New York State around 1760. It was built by British forces to protect a key travel route. This route was a portage, which means a path where boats and goods had to be carried over land to get around Niagara Falls. The fort was located near the Porter-Barton Dock.
The fort was named after its first leader, Captain Joseph Schlosser. He was a captain in the Royal American Regiment of Foot. Naming forts after their commanders was a common practice for the British Army back then.
What Was Inside Fort Schlosser?
Fort Schlosser was built with strong wooden walls called a stockade. Inside these walls, there were several important buildings:
- Two large storehouses to keep supplies.
- Living Quarters for both officers and regular soldiers.
Four cannons were placed at the fort. These cannons helped protect the fort from attacks.
Why Was Fort Schlosser Built?
Fort Schlosser was built to replace an older French fort called Fort Petite Niagara. The French had burned down Fort Petite Niagara in 1759. They did this to prevent the British from using it during the Siege of Fort Niagara.
An old stone chimney from Fort Little Niagara was kept and used in the new Fort Schlosser. Other forts in the area included Fort Grey, which guarded the other end of the portage in Lewiston, NY. Fort Niagara protected the mouth of the Niagara River where it flows into Lake Ontario.
The End of Fort Schlosser
At the start of the War of 1812, American soldiers occupied Fort Schlosser. However, in 1813, the fort was captured by enemy forces and then burned down.
Today, Fort Schlosser is located in what is now Niagara Falls, New York. This area is part of Niagara County, New York. It's near the water intakes for the New York Power Authority, close to the Robert Moses Parkway. The only part of the original fort that still exists is the Old Stone Chimney. This chimney was moved and can now be found near the intersection of Buffalo Avenue and the Robert Moses Parkway traffic circle.
