Fort Demler

The British gained control of the region in 1759 and in 1762 constructed Fort Demler, a small post built to protect the landing area. Initially garrisoned by a platoon of eight soldiers, it consisted of a small two-room guardhouse and a 54' by 22' log storehouse enclosed by a timber stockade and a shallow ditch. The garrison guarded the Landing and helped build the Cradles, which were used to transport goods up the Portage. In 1763 Indian warriors attacked the fort to disrupt British supply lines and killed half of the garrison before troops from Fort Niagara came to its aid. The fort was destroyed by fire in 1767. It was one of several forts, including Fort Denonville, Fort Conti, and Fort Niagara, constructed by the French and the British to protect the Portage between the Lower and Upper Landings.

Lewiston, New York · United States