It’s not often that we get to see fantastic re-enactments of events that once took place in this region… in Buffalo. The reason for that is because we lost our own fort – Fort Porter. I spoke to my father moments ago and asked him about his recollection of the fort near the spot where the Peace Bridge administration buildings sit today. “My mother was the president of the Girl Scouts when I was little,” he told me. “The meetings would take place near where Fort Porter once stood. She would plant me in the corner while the meetings took place – the Old Castle. At that time, there was only one building remaining.” See history of The Front.

Unfortunately nothing remains of historic Fort Porter, which is why we must rely on places like Fort Niagara and Old Fort Erie. Thankfully we can see what it was like to live (and fight) 150 years ago, because communities have managed to retain and preserve these magnificent sites, and continue to recreate the battles that once changed the landscape of our region and nation.

On Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, 2016, a series of battle re-enactments will take place as part of the 150th anniversary of the Fenian attempt to take Canada.

Many of the Fenian troops were experienced soldiers, having served in the Federal or Confederate armies in the recent American Civil War. Armed with surplus U.S. Army weapons, these men proved to be fierce fighters, giving the Canadian provinces a terrible shock. On June 2, 1866, Fenian troops defeated Canadian forces at the Battle of Ridgeway. Fear generated by the Fenian raids helped lead to the Confederation of Canada in 1867.

If you’ve never taken the time to visit Old Fort Erie, then this is a wonderful opportunity to travel back in time. This is a site that can almost be seen when standing at Front Park – it’s that close. A short trip across the Peace Bridge is all that it takes to wind up in the heart of the old fort, witnessing exciting battle recreations, military demonstrations, and live history displays.

Old Fort Erie | 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, Ontario

Battle re-enactments take place on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 pm with a ceremony preceding the Saturday battle. All battles are free to watch. Military demonstrations, living history displays and more throughout the weekend. Site open 10-5, regular admission applies. For more information, please call Old Fort Erie at 905-871-0540.

To learn more, visit the Facebook event page.