Fort Erie National Historic Site and an afternoon at The Fort Erie Horse Race Track

Fort Erie National Historic Site

A visit to Fort Erie National Historic Site has been on our radar since reading the book 'Canada in 10 Maps' by Adam Shoalts, given to us by our son Gerrit.

From its construction in 1764, the fort functioned as a logistical hub for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Six Nations Warriors as well as a port for vessels carrying supplies, merchandise and passengers to the Upper Great Lakes region.

Buffalo, New York across the water

Situated on the confluence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Fort Erie's location made it a crucial military and supply post. 

Known as Canada's bloodiest battlefield during the War of 1812, it was a key site of conflict between American and British forces during the war. 

During the War of 1812, the fort's important strategic location saw it change hands multiple times between British and American forces, culminating in a significant siege and heavy fighting in 1814 where in July of that year the Americans actually seized the fort. 

In early November 1814, with winter approaching and news of another British attack coming, the American army destroyed the fort and retreated across the Niagara River. 

The current structure was rebuilt using original material as much as possible. 

We thoroughly enjoy this reconstructed site. 

 

First time at the Horse Races :)

After the fort we head over to the Fort Erie Horse Race track. I have never been to a horse race before but Chris used to go in Edmonton with a few friends now and then. 

Showing the horses out back

There are 6 races today and after watching the first two from the bleachers, we figure out the process. First the horses coming up to race are paraded around in a pre-parade ring paddock out back of the track. This gets the horses blood flowing and muscles warming plus, it allows people wanting to place a bet to view the horses before the small specialized saddle and jockey are on board. 

Lead pony with the starting horse

Then the starting horse is saddled and the jockey gets on to be accompanied by a 'Lead Pony' from the paddock to the post (starting gate)  

And they're off...

The actual starting gate is down the track from us as they are running 3/4 mile races today so we don't get to see the starts. The horses fly around the track and finish right in front of us. 

Our horse is dead last - not even in the picture :(

After going through the whole process of viewing the horse pre race, we decide to place a whopping $5 bet on a horse we think looks good...

Dead last loser... Now we know why we don't bet on the horses :)