1872-1963 New Fort Niagara
The post-Civil War years witnessed a significant change in Front Niagara. The garrison that arrived in 1865 found the fort's living quarters antiquated and virtually uninhabitable. Costruction soon began on modern buildings situated outside the old fortifications. This was the beginning of "New" Fort Niagara which occupied the military reserve, the area that is today Fort Niagara State Park. The new complex was soon the most important component of the post. By the mid-1880s, nearly all officers' and soldiers' quarters were in the "New" Fort were used primarily for storage or as housing for military families and civilian employees. A few such people resided in the French Castle as late as 1915.
Modern Wars
As Fort Niagara expanded beyond the walls, its function changed again. It was still a border garrison and also served as a prison for military convicts during the 1870s. When a one thousand-yard rifle range was completed in 1885, Fort Niagara became increasingly useful for training United States soldiers. Troops were prepared for the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Philippine Insurrection of 1899-1901. The post also served as an officers' training camp during World War I. Between these conflicts, Fort Niagara continued its familiar role as barracks for battalion of infantry.
Despite all the activity in the New Fort, Old Fort Niagara was in a sadly neglected state by the early 1920s. Lake Ontario had undermined the seawall protecting its northern flank, and the "French Castle" was in danger of collapse. The surviving eighteenth century buildings were badly deteriorated. Fortunately, the old fortifications and structures had long been recognized for their historical value. A group of local citizens, alarmed by the state of the historic area, began to advocate repair and preservation. They formally organized as the Old Fort Niagara Association in 1927 with the goal of saving the Castle. This was accomplished between 1926 and 1929 with Congressional appropriations matched by funds raised from the private sector by the Association. Further cooperation between the Army and the Association permitted restoration of the other structures by 1934.
New Fort Niagara continued as an active post. The 1930s were the last years of the "Old Army", and the appearance of the New Fort was more like a park than an army base. Dress parades, band concerts and close ties with the local populace were common, especially while Fort Niagara was occupied by the 28th Infantry Regiment (1920-1940). The Army maintained close ties with the Old Fort Niagara Association and often used the historic area for military and patriotic ceremonies.
The days of the "Old Army" ended in 1940, and the 28th Infantry was transferred to South Carolina. Too small for a World War II training base, Fort Niagara became a "reception center" for recruits and served as such from 1941 until 1943. From 1944 until 1946 the reception center was reactivated as a camp for German prisoners of war.
Fort Niagara was declared surplus at the end 1945, and many of the buildings were converted to temporary housing for veterans. Plans to convert the New Fort to a park were developed in the late 1940s, but the Korean War intervened and Fort Niagara was reoccupied in 1950. Anti-ircraft troops were stationed there from 1952 until the last military units were withdrawn in 1963. Long-delayed plans to convert the area to a park were soon implemented, and most of the garrison buildings were demolished in 1965-66 to clear the area for recreational purposes. Only a few structures remain. With the exception of the United States Coast Guard station situated below Old Fort Niagara, the military history of this important site had come to an end.