Youngstown, N.Y.- Old fort Niagara will bring history to life this weekend as it recreates major battles from the French and Indian War.

You might think you’ve stepped back in time.

Back to a time prior to the American Revolution, when two powerful nations fought for control of key trading posts and forts across the Great Lakes and the Niagara USA region played a major role in this conflict.

Fort Niagara in Youngstown, N.Y., was a key French fort in the mid 1700’s at the time of the French and Indian War and set the stage for numerous battles including one of the most important of the war.

That battle--the siege of Fort Niagara-- which took place over 19 days in 1759 between the French and British and their Native American allies will be reenacted from July 1 to July 3 at Old Fort Niagara.

More than 1,000 British, French and Indian re-enactors will use cannons, muskets and other period artillery to recreate the siege that led directly to a British Victory in the war. Six battles in total will be put on display during the weekend along, with numerous other period related events.

Aside from battle reenactments, the fort will hold a series of events allowing visitors to see artisan craftsman, participate in period games, witness musket and artillery demonstrations and even taste some 18th century food. For a full list of events from the three-day event click here. http://oldfortniagara.org/events/?Y=2011&n=07&j=01&e_id=181

Old Fort Niagara has long been the leader in French and Indian War reenactments and truly brings history to life and makes it fun for the entire family. Children can participate in the “kids drill,” which will allow kids to enlist in the army and become re-enactors themselves, complete with a wooden musket.

In England, 1759 is known as “annus mirabilis” or the “the year of miracles,” due to British successes in war, including their triumph at Fort Niagara.

According to Bob Emerson, Director of Old Fort Niagara, the often forgotten war had an even larger impact to the future of the United States.

“We are having a conversation in English,” Emerson explained. “That is a direct result of the outcome of the French and Indian War.”

Emerson said had it not been for the British victory, French influences would have dominated our region and their control would have likely prevented an American Revolution and our country may be much different today.

“This is real stuff,” Emerson said. “This is the history of our nation.”

For additional information visit : http://oldfortniagara.org/

If you go:

What: French and Indian War Reenactment

Where: Old Fort Niagara, Scott Avenue Youngstown, N.Y. 14174

When: July 1 to July 3. The fort opens at 9 a.m. Event start times vary by day. Click here for full list of times.

Cost: Adults $10, Children $6.

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