A British soldier, serving at Fort Niagara during the 18^th century, got one holiday a year: the King’s Birthday. To celebrate, the fort’s garrison was turned out in new uniforms and powdered hair.  At noon, the artillery fired a “Royal Salute” followed by three volleys of musketry.

On Sunday, June 4, Old Fort Niagara will recreate this celebration with a series of living history programs about the British Army during the 1770s. At that time, the British monarch was King George III, who was born on June 4, 1738, in London. 

Visitors to the event will witness artillery and musket salutes and a program entitled “Busting Battlefield Myths.”  American schoolchildren are often taught that the British Army during the American Revolution was slow, hidebound and vulnerable, dressing in bright red coats and standing in the open. In reality, the British army was tactically innovative, winning most of the battles in which it was engaged. Visitors will learn how the British modified their tactics to deal with the realities of North American warfare.

What about those red coats? Another program features dressing the soldier from shirt and breeches to full uniform and equipment. Visitors will learn about various components of the soldier’s uniform and why they were designed the way they were.

At 2:30 p.m. Visitors can participate in a toast to King George drawn directly from 18^th century records. The toast will be followed by a rendition of “God Save the King.”

In the United States, King George III is often viewed as a villain who presided over the British war effort during the American Revolution. To soldiers at Fort Niagara, however, the King’s Birthday was something to look forward to.

Visit Old Fort Niagara’s website (www.oldfortniagara.org) or call 716-745-7611 for more information and a full schedule of activities.

King’s Birthday Schedule

10:00 am             Fort Opens

10:30                     Colors (British only)

11:00                     Busting Battlefield Myths

Noon                     Tour: Fort Niagara in the American Revolution

1:00 pm               Dressing the British Soldier

1:30                       Musket Demo

2:00                       Royal Salute (Artillery and Muskets)

2:30                       Toast to King George III followed by God Save the King

3:15                       Musket Demo

4:00                        Musket Demo