Youngstown in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
1. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
Fort Niagara controlled this strategically vital portage. Travelers could begin their journey by land at the fort, or venture seven miles upriver and go ashore at the Lower Landing (Lewiston, New York). In either case, they first had to pass under the guns of Fort Niagara.
The portage road left the main gate at Fort Niagara and followed the Niagara until it reached the Lower Landing. Then it climbed the steep Niagara escarpment and continued south over relatively level terrain to the Upper Landing above Niagara Falls. There, travelers reentered the Niagara River and continued their voyage to the west.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Forts and Castles • War, French and Indian • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 43° 15.725′ N, 79° 3.671′ W. Marker is in Youngstown, New York, in Niagara County. It is on Scott Avenue north of Jackson Street (New York State Route 18F), on the left when traveling north. This historical marker is located
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Fort Niagara (a few steps from this marker); Morrow Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Siege of Fort Niagara (within shouting distance of this marker); Dueling Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Niagara Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old Fort Niagara (within shouting distance of this marker); Magasin ΰ Poudre (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Youngstown.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
2. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
Close-up view of the marker's text and of a 1688 map of the Great Lakes.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
3. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
Close-up view of the map showing the route of the Niagara Portage, that is displayed on the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
4. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
View of the historical marker in the foreground and of Old Fort Niagara in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
5. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
View looking to the right of the historical marker where the Old Fort Niagara Visitor Center can be seen in the background of the picture.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2013
6. The Niagara Portage: Gateway to the West Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 7, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
