OLD FORT NIAGARA

The Land Defenses (1755-1872)

Although rebuilt in concrete and brick in the 1860s, these walls follow the lines laid out by the French in 1755. The center of the wall is pierced by the Sally Port, constructed in the 1860s.

The only way to reach the Sally Port from point 7 is to descend the staris at the North Bastion near point 9.

The Outer Works include the large triangular "ravelin," smaller earthworks and a ditch. The ditch was kept dry and, with the other outworks, protected the main walls from cannon fire and assault. The Outer Works are restored to their appearance during the siege of 1759, during which the British established gun batteries within 100 yards (91m) of the Fort. The site of the nearest battery was among the buildings visible by the lake shore. Intense cannon fire from that point nearly demolished the Fort's North Bastion.