Fort Niagara, NY

Photographer: Roy B. Westin

Lighthouse History : Fort Niagara, established in 1726 on the Northeastern corner of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, has been occupied by at one time by France, Great Britain and now the United States. This fort was important in maintaining control of access to the Western Great Lakes and the heart of North America.

A post was first established here by the French in 1679, with the "French Castle" being constructed in 1726. This structure would serve as an important day-mark Aid to Navigation for French fur traders of the 1700's. The fort, still standing near the lighthouse, contains some of the oldest buildings still in existence around the Great Lakes region.

Fort Niagara Lighthouse

Youngstown, New York

Established : 1782

Built : 1872

Construction : Octagonal, limestone

Status : Inactive

Height : 61 feet

Location : Youngstown, New York

Access : Car

From Niagara Falls, USA: take the Robert Moses Parkway North 14 miles, After passing the exit for Route 93 (Youngstown), bear left onto the ramp for Fort Niagara.

From Niagara Falls, Canada: cross the Rainbow or Queenston Bridge to the U.S. side. Follow Niagara Falls, USA directions above.

From the New York State Thruway: take Exit 50, follow I-290 West to I-190. Follow I-190 North to Exit 25B ( Robert Moses Parkway ) and Follow Niagara Falls, USA directions above.

Photographer: Roy B. Westin

In 1759, Britain gained control of the fort during the French and Indian War. The first official Aid to Navigation established here was a light built on the roof of the castle in 1782. They maintained control of it until yielding to the United States in 1796 with the American Revolution. At that time the light was taken out of service. The tower itself was later dismantled from the castle in 1803. The British again took control with the forts capture during the War of 1812. It was ceded back to the United States in 1815. It would then serve as a peaceful border post. From the Civil War through army unit withdrawal in 1963, Old Fort Niagara served as a training post and active barracks.

In 1823, a new beacon was established with the construction of a wooden tower, again on the roof of the castle. This beacon was an important Aid to Navigation with the increase in shipping traffic following the completion of the Welland Canal in 1829.

This first canal, constructed by private Canadian interests, consisted of 40 wooden locks over 27 1/2 miles connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. Each lock was no less than 110 feet long by 22 feet wide and 8 feet deep. This canal system bypassed the rapids and falls of the Niagara River creating a direct route for transportation of goods to and from the upper Great Lakes. As traffic increased, a direct route to Lake Erie was added. This canal extension was completed in 1833, avoiding the strong currents of the Niagara river.

In 1859, the lighthouses night signal was improved with an upgrade to a Fourth Order Fresnel lens.

In 1872, the "castle" light was replaced with a new lighthouse outside the fort. The tower is constructed of limestone blocks on a natural, emplaced foundation. The octagonal tower had an original height of 50 feet. In 1900, the tower height was increased 11 feet with a cylindrical, brick addition bringing it to 51 feet (clearly visible in the above right photo). This addition became the watchroom and increased the lights visibility range to 25 miles. The lighthouses day-mark is natural with a black lantern.

On May 13, 1993, the lighthouse was decommissioned.

Now leased and maintained by Old Fort Niagara Association, it is home to a museum and gift shop that can be visited year-round.

Hours: Nov. thru Mar.: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; April and Oct.: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily; May and Sept.: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., weekends until 6:30 p.m.; June: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., weekends until 7:30 p.m.; July and Aug.: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. When planning a visit, please call to verify hours.

Old Fort Niagara Association - P.O. Box 169, Youngstown, NY 14174-0169 (716) 745-7611