Colonial America
"Fort Niagara" Hand-Drawn Known Artist Sketch the Oldest Continuously Occupied Military Site in North America
c. 1800s, Original Pencil Drawing of Colonial Era Fort Niagara, Framed, Choice Extremely Fine.
An old typed tag on the reverse paper backing identifies that this lovely Pencil Drawing of Fort Niagara was accomplished by her (Great) Grandmother, being Signed by the artist's mother for her daughter "Clara Rollins - when she was very young," her name written at lower right within the margin. The sketch measuring 11.75" x 8.25" (by sight) with the drawing housed in a simple wooden frame measuring to 12.75" x 9.25". This Drawing as shown depicts a rather serene view of the fabled Fort Niagara which played significant roles in the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812. Fort Niagara even saw use in WW1, WW2, and the Korean War as a training ground, POW Camp, and antiaircraft headquarters. It remains the Oldest Continuously Occupied Military Site in North America. Excellent clear sharply drawn details on clean period wove artist paper with calligraphic title added below and ready to hang on display.
Fort Niagara's history spans more than 300 years. During the Colonial wars in North America, a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River was vital, for it controlled access to the Great Lakes and the westward route to the heartland of the continent. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, however, the strategic value of Fort Niagara diminished. It nonetheless remained an active military post well into the 20th century.
The three flags flown daily above the parade ground symbolize the nations which have held Fort Niagara. Each competed for the support of a fouth nation: the powerful Six Nations Confederacy. The French established the first post here, Fort Conti, in 1679. Its successor, Fort Denonville (1687-88) was equally short lived. In 1726 France finally erected a permanent fortification with the construction of the impressive "French Castle."
Britain gained control of Fort Niagara in 1759, during the French & Indian War, after a nineteen-day seige. The British held the post throughout the American Revolution but were forced, by treaty, to yield it to the United States in 1796. Fort Niagara was recaptured by the British in 1813. It was ceded to the United States a second time in 1815 at the end of the War of 1812.
This was Fort Niagara's last armed conflict, and it thereafter served as a peaceful border post. The garrison expanded beyond the walls following the Civil War. Fort Niagara was a barracks and training station for American soldiers throughout both World Wars. The last army units were withdrawn in 1963. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard represents the only military presence on the site.
Old Fort Niagara was restored between 1929 and 1934. It is operated today by the Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Our Auction Contents:
Black History & Slavery: (Lots 1 - 63)
Abraham Lincoln Related: (Lots 64 - 74)
Historic Autographs: (Lots 75 - 235)
Colonial America: (Lots 236 - 261)
Revolutionary War: (Lots 262 - 304)
George Washington Related: (Lots 305 - 306)
Early American Guns & Weapons: (Lots 307 - 318)