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

Inscription. During the 18th century, the Niagara Portage provided one of the great access points to the interior of North America. Here, travelers from the east could reach the upper Great Lakes after a relatively short portage around Niagara Falls.

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. Marker is on Scott Avenue north of Jackson Street (New York State Route 18F), on the left when traveling north. This historical marker

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is located a short drive north of the downtown Youngstown area, in the Fort Niagara State Park. According to Google Map it is located at the end of the Scott Avenue loop, one of the first markers seen when visiting Old Fort Niagara. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Youngstown NY 14174, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 à 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 758 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 7, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.