Posted by request. --Moderator, NYHIST-L FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 8, 2006 Fort Ontario Prepares for Attack Re-enactments celebrate 250 years as "Guardian of the Northern Frontier" Fort Ontario will batten down the hatches as it commemorates its 250th birthday with a cannon-sized bang. From 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on August 11 - 13, re-enactors dressed as militiamen, French and British troops and Native forces will reconvene in Oswego, NY at the fort known as the "Guardian of the North Frontier." A strategic point of entry to New York State's northern reaches, it was also the scene of a heated international rivalry between the French and the British as the war for control of North America was waged. * Friday, August 11: Events kick off with a waterborne reenactment of the French attack on the British bateau fleet, known as "Battle Island." This legendary dispute was fought on Oswego Canal and the re-enactment will feature period boats battling onto the western shores. The combined land and sea action creates a unique reenactment unlike any other staged in North America. * Saturday, August 12: Watch the main assault on Fort Ontario as French troops assume positions along recreated siege lines and bombard the British from across the Oswego River harbor. Here, history happens before your eyes as cannons blast and orders are shouted. * Sunday, August 13: French forces storm through the fort wall as the final assault is brought to life. Watch the defeat of the British and Colonial troops, surrender negotiations and the final march as Oswego and Fort Ontario is given to the French. In the excitement of victory, the French will erect a replica of the large victory cross, originally raised by the Marquis de Montcalm this month in 1756. Also, check out reproductions of the French victory peace medal King Louis XV had made in 1758, for sale by the Oswego County Historical Society at the event. Throughout the weekend, guests can also sit in on numerous lectures and seminars, including Fort Ontario's role in the French and Indian War and a closer look at the French and British fleets on Lake Ontario. Regardless of the day or the events a visitor attends, Fort Ontario's 250th Commemoration will be a study of life at a Fort in the mid-1700s. Apart from the celebration, Fort Ontario is open May 4 through October 31; Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about visiting Fort Ontario, go to: www.fortontario.com <http://www.fortontario.com/> History of Fort Ontario Located at the confluence of the Oswego River and Lake Ontario, Fort Ontario was built by the British in 1755. Called "The Fort of the Six Nations," or "Fort Ontario" it was an eight-pointed, wooden stockade furnished with a swivel cannon, effective only against small groups of attackers. After the French first destroyed the fort in August 1756, the British rebuilt a bigger and better Fort Ontario in the same location three years later. However, in the throws of the American Revolution, British troops left Fort Ontario vulnerable to attack and it was destroyed by American troops from nearby Fort Stanwix (present day Rome, NY) in 1778. Fort Ontario's history is tightly woven into the story of young America. General Washington considered the Fort of such a great strategic significance that his last expedition was to recapture Fort Ontario from the British, who were trying to rebuild it in 1782. For this feat, he risked a great number of men in the harsh northern New York winter. Fort Ontario was also the setting for much of James Fenimore Cooper's classic novel, "The Pathfinder," describing frontier life in war times. # # # ABOUT I LOVE NEW YORK I LOVE NEW YORK is a campaign administered by Empire State Development's Division of Tourism. First launched in 1977, I LOVE NEW YORK remains one of the most successful international tourism campaigns ever created and continues to promote the beauty and attractions of New York State's eleven geographic regions: Adirondacks, Capital - Saratoga, Catskills, Central Leatherstocking, Chautauqua-Allegheny, Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City and Thousand Islands Seaway. With 168 state parks, 35 state historic sites, major metropolitan centers and quaint small towns, New York State offers exciting year-round travel possibilities for visitors of all ages. To learn more, or for details on upcoming events and lodging, dial (800) CALL-NYS or visit the I LOVE NEW YORK Web site at www.iloveny.com <http://www.iloveny.com/> . FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jill DeAnzeris Sarah E. Bilofsky Empire State Development Eric Mower and Associates [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]