Assembly Resolution No. 1441
BY: M. of A. Morinello
COMMEMORATING the 300th Anniversary of Old Fort
Niagara
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate historic landmarks within the State of New York that
contribute to the cultural richness, educational advancement, and
tourism economy of the region; and
WHEREAS, Located in Youngstown, New York, where the Niagara River
meets Lake Ontario, Old Fort Niagara, which is a designated National
Historic Landmark, is both the oldest continually occupied military site
in North America and home to the oldest building on the Great Lakes; and
WHEREAS, The French Castle at Old Fort Niagara was built by the
French in 1726; the historic site's 300th Anniversary will be celebrated
by a series of exciting special programs and events; this momentous
occasion coincides with the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the
United States in 1776; on August 1, 2026, the Fort will host Niagara
County's USA 250th Celebration; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Fort's usual annual events, including
large-scale reenactments, educational programs, and living history
activities, the historic site will offer special French Castle 300
commemorations, including a history symposium, featuring well-known
experts on the early 18th-century New York frontier, and the recreation
of the arrival of French military engineer, Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros
DeLéry, and his artisans and workers who built the French Castle; and
WHEREAS, The French Castle is the oldest building in the Great Lakes
Basin; the French arrived at the mouth of the Niagara River on June 8,
1726, and began construction of a large stone house that would serve as
a military fort, trading post, chapel, and meeting place between
Europeans and Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, Garrisoned over the years by French, British, and American
soldiers, the building was restored during the 1920s, and today, owned
and operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc., it stands as a
popular destination for thousands of visitors annually; and
WHEREAS, In addition to six original 18th-century buildings to
explore, including the French Castle, Old Fort Niagara boasts an
extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the
history and archeological aspects of the Fort, including underground
rifle galleries, guardhouses, storehouses, and powder magazines; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 300th year, the French Castle has undergone many
changes over the years; the Castle experienced threats of demolition,
periodic withdrawals of garrisons, and constant pounding by the waves of
Lake Ontario; the building endured cycles of neglect and repair, serving
as housing, storage, barracks, and offices; although preservation
continues in this century, restoration of the Castle was essentially
complete by 1933, and the entire Fort was dedicated as a public museum
in 1934; and
WHEREAS, The 300th Anniversary of Old Fort Niagara celebrates its
role in the rich history of the Great Lakes region and its designation
as a National Historic Landmark, inviting visitors from around the world
to witness its glory and unmatched beautiful uniqueness and importance
to the Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 300th Anniversary of Old Fort Niagara and celebrate its
lasting contributions to public history, education, conservation, and
tourism in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc.
