Fort Niagara, located in Youngstown, NY is one of the oldest haunted locations in Western New York. The structure was built in 1726 by the French but expanded by the British after its capture in 1759, then finally being turned over to American control in 1796. In its 300 years, it has seen many conflicts and historical events, such as the French and Indian War, conflict between the indigenous Haudenosaunee with British expansion and colonization, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and more. With so much violence and bloodshed, and a long history in general, it makes sense that Old Fort Niagara would be a hotbed of paranormal activity and legend.
The Headless Specter
Likely the most famous story is about a headless French military officer that haunts the halls of the fort. The story goes that in 1839, two men were both in love with the same woman, a maiden from the local Seneca nation, and in order to resolve the problem, engaged in a duel for her heart! One of the unfortunate Frenchmen not only lost his love and his life- but also his head! The legend states that it was thrown into Lake Ontario, while the rest of him was tossed down the castle’s well. While he’s allegedly been seen at various times, many say that he’s often seen climbing out of the well during full moons!
The Hobgoblin
While seeing a headless ghost roaming at night may give someone a quite the scare, at least it doesn’t sound like he’s a malevolent being. However, there may be other things hiding in the shadows of the fort, such as the hobgoblin of Fort Niagara. While the name may conjure images of a small, ugly-looking trickster, at the time, the soldiers who saw this entity as demonic.
The creature was first seen in 1804 by a drunken soldier named John Carroll, who was thrown into solitary confinement, both to sober up, and as punishment for his drunkeness. In the darkness, the terrifying being appeared to him. He screamed for help, but no one was around to hear his fearful cries. The entity apparently told him to write a song when he was released, and the soldier did exactly that, which he titled Carroll’s Thoughts on Eternity.
Eight years later, the hobgoblin allegedly visited another soldier, who also happened to be drunk at the time. The man saw something In the cemetery while on sentry duty. He went to investigate, and at the exact moment that a lightening strike came down, the creature revealed itself. In his terror, he shot his rifle at it and ran in the opposite direction- slamming head on into a wall and knocking himself unconscious.
Other Strange Activity
Aside from the two legends above, the Fort just has a reputation of being a creepy place. Workers and visitors alike have claimed to feel watched, or hear disembodied voices whispering, slamming doors, or the sound of doors slamming just to find no doors closed. Others have claimed to witness orbs, black mist or even fully-formed shadowy apparitions!