Fort Tompkins (Buffalo, New York) facts for kids

Fort Tompkins, also known as Fort Adams, was an important earthwork fort in Buffalo, New York. It stood on a high point overlooking the Niagara River.

This fort was built in August 1812. It was located on a bluff at the bend of Niagara Street. Fort Tompkins was a large earthwork, meaning it was built mostly from earth and soil. It had seven guns and was the biggest of eight similar defenses built that summer. To its south was Old Sow Battery, and to its north was Gibson's Battery.

Fort Tompkins: A War of 1812 Stronghold

What Was Fort Tompkins?

Fort Tompkins was a military fort built during the War of 1812. It was made of earth, which means it used dirt and mounds to create strong walls. These walls helped protect soldiers and their cannons. The fort's main job was to defend the area around Buffalo from attacks.

It was placed in a smart spot. From its high position, soldiers could see far down the Niagara River. This allowed them to spot enemy ships or troops coming their way. The fort had seven large guns, which were like powerful cannons. These guns could fire at targets from a distance.

Fort Tompkins During the War of 1812

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. Fort Tompkins played a role in defending the American side. In July 1813, British forces launched an attack on a nearby area called Black Rock.

During this attack, the British managed to destroy the Black Rock Blockhouse. A blockhouse is a small, strong fort often made of logs. They also reached Fort Tompkins. The British either "spiked" the guns or carried them away. To "spike" a gun means to make it unusable. Soldiers would drive a metal spike into the touchhole of the cannon. This stopped it from being fired.

What Happened to Fort Tompkins?

After the War of 1812, Fort Tompkins was no longer needed as a military defense. Over time, the area around it changed. By 1914, the land where the fort once stood was used for something completely different. It became the location for street railway barns. These barns were buildings used to store and maintain streetcars or trolleys.

Today, there is no visible trace of Fort Tompkins. Its history reminds us of the important role it played in defending the American frontier during the War of 1812.