Fort Demler

Fort Demler. The British fortify the Portage route. The British gained control of the region in 1759 and, in 1762, constructed a small post, Fort Demler, to protect the landing area. Initially garrisoned by a platoon of eight soldiers, the fort consisted of a small, two-room guardhouse and a 54' by 22' log storehouse all enclosed by a timber stockade and a shallow ditch. The garrison guarded the Landing and helped build the Cradles, which were used to help transport goods up the Portage. In 1763, the fort was attacked by Indian warriors intent upon disrupting the british supply lines. The Indians managed to kill half of the garrison before troops from Fort Niagara could come to its aid. The fort was finally destroyed by fire in 1767., Fort Demler 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.