The oldest building tn the eastern interior of North America, the "Castle" was originally the sole structure of Fort Niagara. The castle has been restored to its 1727 appearance, at which time most garrison facilities were located within its walls. Following expansion of the Fort in 1755-57, the Castle was used as officer\'s quarters. Army facilities resided here as late as World War I. The building was designed by Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Lery, chief engineer of New France. His layout of the ground floor included storerooms, a powder magazine, bakery, guardhouse, and well. Living quarters and chapel were on the second floor. Overhanging or \"machicolated\" dormers on the attic level provided defensive positions for muskets and light cannon and gave the structure its original French name - the \"machicolated house.\" The term \"Castle\" is not believed to have been in general use until U.S. officers lived here in the 1830s. 3D model by Museum Maker |
