Have you been to Fort Niagara? It is north of Buffalo, New York and Niagara Falls. The drive up along the Niagara River is beautiful, the weather cooler. Fort Niagara was built as a major trading post and strategic point of control for the French in their trading ventures in New France during the 17th and 18th century. With its bastions and strategic position along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, its narrow points of entry, canon, and trenches, it was difficult to take. The stone chateau is magnificent. The trading post - enormous. This is where my ancestor worked and lived as King’s Commissary. He spoke 14 Indian Languages. He was a leader among the Iroquois. The redoutes guarding the fort are enormous. The fort was never burnt. Rather those who lost surrendered it. It passed through French control, English control, and now is in American control as a historic site and State Park. Standing elegant along lake Ontario, it offers French culture weekends and then a big weekend over the 4th of July commemorating the siege. Read Pouchot’s Memoirs, published 20 years after his passing because he criticized King Louis V for his short-sightedness.

This is what travel offers a person, a chance to see, do, and experience something different. Perhaps along the way a little history is learned and it’s all very interesting if a person has the curiosity to seek it.