Oswego, NY -- The largest encampment since the French and Indian War commemoration in 2006 comes to Fort Ontario Saturday and Sunday. From 150 to 300 reenactors with the National Encampment of the Brigade of the American Revolution depicting the British and Colonial armies will provide two days of living history at the fort. Paul Lear, manager of the...
View full sizeRe-enactors of the French and Indian War hold demonstrations and displays at Fort Ontario in Oswego. Trever Morrell, of Volney, listens to re-enactor Stephen Licht, of Batavia, explain how a British musket operates in this photo from Aug. 25, 2007. Licht is part of a group re-enacting Rogers' Rangers, who were allied with the British during the war.Oswego, NY -- The largest encampment since the French and Indian War commemoration in 2006 comes to Fort Ontario Saturday and Sunday.
From 150 to 300 reenactors with the National Encampment of the Brigade of the American Revolution depicting the British and Colonial armies will provide two days of living history at the fort.
Paul Lear, manager of the Fort Ontario Historic Site, said the last time the National Encampment was at the fort was 1996. This is the only national encampment for the Brigade of the American Revolution this year, the brigade’s website says.
“These individuals are donating their time and travel expenses to interpret Oswego’s significant role in our nation’s history,” Lear said.
This will be the last big event at the fort before renovations and repairs to the fort begin this fall. Lear said design work is going on now for a number of projects around the fort. The first , putting a new roof on the post headquarters, will begin in October or November.
Other work includes installing a heating system for the officers’ quarters, insulating the attics and putting in storm windows, fixing floor problems in the officers’ quarters, putting in up-to-date furnaces, installing a new drainage system to alleviate moisture in some areas of the fort and water in the basement and installing a new fire and security system.
Lear has yet to determine when all the work will be done and how much it will cost.
He declined to comment about the state spending money on fort repairs after initially deciding to keep it closed for the season to save money.
“I’m in the business of predicting the past, not the future,” Lear said.
While many people come to the National Encampment for the 2 p.m. tactical weapons demonstrations each day, the event includes many activities throughout the weekend.
Children can learn about colonial games such as hoops, cup and ball and shinny. A face painter will decorate faces with an American flag or the Union Jack.
Colonial merchants will sell reproductions of colonial fare such as bags, waistcoats and petticoats. There also will be sewing demonstrations, discussions of women’s life in the 18th century and a fashion show each day at 11 a.m. Period refreshments and music will be available.
British forces will be camped inside the fort since it was garrisoned by the British during the Revolutionary War (1775 – 1783). Continental troops will camp outside the fort.