Three fortifications occupied this site. The first, from 1764 to 1779, and the second, from about 1783 to 1803, stood at lower levels and were abandoned when ice and water inundated the works. The third Fort Erie, built between 1805 and 1808, was repaired in January 1814 but was captured by an invading American army in July of that year. The Americans used it as a base for subsequent operations, retreated here after their defeat at Lundy's Lane, survived a British siege in August and September, and destroyed the fort on November 5, 1814. It was rebuilt by the Niagara Parks Commission from 1937 to 1939.
