Old Trails on the Niagara Frontier Informative Summary

Overview:

This collection of essays delves into the fascinating history of the Niagara Frontier, a region that has played a pivotal role in the development of the United States. The author, Frank H. Severance, examines different periods in the region’s history, shedding light on the individuals and events that shaped its character.

The first essays explore the early French missionary efforts, highlighting the work of figures like Father Joseph de la Roche Dallion and Father Jean de Brébeuf, who brought Christianity to the indigenous Neuter and Huron nations. The author then delves into the French and British periods of control over the Niagara Frontier, focusing on the construction and importance of Fort Niagara. The essays provide a detailed account of the American Revolution’s impact on the region, exploring the role of Fort Niagara as a British base of operations and the experiences of American captives brought there. The book concludes with a discussion of the Underground Railroad, tracing the paths taken by escaped slaves seeking freedom in Canada.

Key Findings:

Early missionary efforts: The Niagara Frontier was first visited by European explorers as a mission of peace, with Catholic priests like Father Dallion and Father Brébeuf bringing the cross to the region before any earthly kingdom claimed it.
Fort Niagara’s strategic importance: Fort Niagara played a crucial role in the fur trade and served as a strategic stronghold for both the French and British during their respective periods of control.
The American Revolution’s impact: The Niagara Frontier became a battleground during the American Revolution, with British forces using Fort Niagara as a base for attacks on American settlements and as a haven for Loyalist refugees. The region also saw numerous instances of Indian captivity, with many Americans brought as prisoners to Fort Niagara.
The Underground Railroad: The Niagara Frontier was a key passage point for escaped slaves seeking freedom in Canada. The book highlights the bravery of those who used the Underground Railroad, risking their lives to reach a land where slavery was outlawed.

Learning:

Missionary spirit: The essays offer a glimpse into the dedication and determination of early missionaries who braved dangerous territories and hostile indigenous populations to spread their faith. Father Brébeuf’s vision of the cross, while steeped in religious symbolism, exemplifies the power of faith and commitment in the face of adversity.
The fur trade’s influence: The book illustrates how the fur trade was a major driving force behind European exploration and conflict in the Niagara Frontier. The pursuit of this lucrative industry fueled competition and conflict among various European powers, ultimately shaping the region’s early history.
The cruelty of war: The essays detail the brutality of the American Revolution, highlighting the brutal tactics employed by British forces and their allies, such as the use of Indian scalping parties and the harsh treatment of American prisoners.
The Underground Railroad’s significance: The book underscores the importance of the Underground Railroad as a symbol of hope and resistance against slavery. The stories of those who risked their freedom to escape bondage and seek refuge in Canada offer a powerful reminder of the human cost of slavery and the enduring pursuit of freedom.

Historical Context:

French exploration and colonization: The French were the first European power to explore and claim the Niagara Frontier, establishing a series of trading posts and missions in the region. Their presence was characterized by a focus on the fur trade and missionary work among indigenous populations.
British expansion and control: The British, through conquest and diplomatic maneuvering, ultimately gained control of the Niagara Frontier from the French. Their presence was marked by an expansion of the fur trade and the establishment of Fort Niagara as a key military stronghold.
The American Revolution: The American Revolution, a war for independence from British rule, saw the Niagara Frontier become a vital strategic area. Fort Niagara served as a base for British forces and played a role in orchestrating raids against American settlements.
The abolitionist movement: The Underground Railroad emerged as a major element of the abolitionist movement in the United States. The region’s proximity to Canada, a country that outlawed slavery, made it a key destination for escaping slaves.

Facts:

Father Joseph de la Roche Dallion was the first white man known to have visited the Niagara region in 1626. He was a Franciscan priest who sought to establish a mission among the Neuter nation.
Étienne Bruslé, a French interpreter, was likely the first white man to see Niagara Falls. His adventurous life included being captured and burned by the Indians, though he survived.
The Neuter nation was wiped out by the Iroquois in the mid-17th century. This conquest led to the Senecas taking control of the Niagara Frontier.
Father Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary, had a vision of a cross in the sky above the Niagara in 1641. This vision is considered a symbol of his commitment to spreading Christianity and a premonition of his later martyrdom.
La Salle’s expedition in 1678-79 marked a significant moment in the exploration of the Niagara Frontier. He established a fort (Fort Conti) on the site of present-day Fort Niagara.
Father Melithon Watteaux, a Recollect missionary, was the first Catholic priest to minister to white settlers in New York State. He served as chaplain at Fort Niagara.
Fort Niagara was initially called Fort Denonville, after the Marquis de Denonville, who built it in 1687.
The fort was rebuilt in 1725 by the French engineer Chaussegros de Léry. This construction laid the groundwork for the current fort’s structure.
Fort Niagara surrendered to the British under Sir William Johnson in 1759. This marked the end of French control over the region.
The British significantly strengthened Fort Niagara’s defenses during their period of control. They added bastions and constructed new blockhouses to fortify the fort.
The British held onto Fort Niagara and other key posts for thirteen years after the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized American independence. This was a controversial move that contributed to tensions between the two countries.
General John Sullivan led an expedition against Iroquois villages in 1779, reaching within 80 miles of Fort Niagara. This was the closest the American forces came to attacking the fort during the Revolution.
Sir Frederick Haldimand, the British governor of Canada, prioritized maintaining Fort Niagara’s strength and defenses. He believed it was crucial for British control of the fur trade and for protecting the region from American expansion.
Fort Niagara served as a base for British-sponsored raids against American settlements during the Revolution. These raids often resulted in the capture of American settlers, who were often taken to Fort Niagara as prisoners.
The Indians captured by the British at Fort Niagara were given presents and often lavishly supplied with goods. This was part of a British strategy to secure their loyalty and ensure their participation in attacks on American settlements.
Hessian mercenaries were sent to Fort Niagara during the Revolution but were met with resistance. They refused to participate in construction work and were eventually transferred to Carleton Island.
Col. Mason Bolton, commander of Fort Niagara during the Revolution, was known for his effectiveness and his ability to maintain control amidst challenging circumstances.
Col. Bolton died at sea in 1780 when the schooner Ontario, which he had boarded, sank near Golden Hill.
The Gilbert family, a Quaker family from Pennsylvania, was captured by a British-backed Indian raiding party in 1780 and brought to Fort Niagara. Their story highlights the cruelty of the war and the hardships endured by American prisoners.
The capture of the Gilbert family saw the adoption of Rebecca Gilbert and her cousin Benjamin Gilbert by Rowland Montour’s wife, the daughter of the powerful Seneca chief Sayenqueraghta. This illustrates the common practice of Indian adoption of prisoners, a custom that often resulted in long-term captivity.
David Ogden, a young American soldier, was captured near Fort Stanwix in 1781 and brought to Fort Niagara. He endured harsh treatment, including running the gauntlet, and was eventually adopted into a Seneca family.
The Underground Railroad played a significant role in the Niagara Frontier’s history. It served as a passage point for slaves escaping to Canada, with Buffalo and Niagara Falls becoming major hubs for this movement.
Moseby, a runaway slave, was arrested in Niagara in 1837 for horse-stealing. His case led to a major public outcry and a standoff between pro-slavery forces and abolitionists, who sought to prevent his return to Kentucky.
Sir Francis Bond Head, the Governor of Canada West, refused to extradite Moseby, arguing that the British government should not participate in the enforcement of slavery laws. His stance underscored the growing tension between the British government and abolitionists in Canada.

Statistics:

In 1626, Father Dallion spent three months with the Neuters.
In 1640, Father Brébeuf and Father Chaumonot spent four months with the Neuters.
In 1687, there were hundreds of men in the French army that built Fort Denonville.
In 1687, there were 100 soldiers left to defend Fort Denonville.
In 1687, the Marquis de Denonville left behind a 3-week supply of corn for the Fort Denonville garrison.
In 1687, there were more than 20 men in the garrison at Fort Denonville who died due to scurvy.
In 1688, there were only 12 men left alive in the garrison after the winter.
In 1759, there were approximately 2,300 Indians at Fort Niagara.
In 1778, there were 349 British soldiers stationed at Fort Niagara.
In 1778, Major Butler’s Rangers, numbering 106, were sent on a raid against American settlements.
In 1779, after Sullivan’s raid, there were 5,036 people, including Indians and refugees, dependent on Fort Niagara for provisions.
In 1780, the Indians captured and brought to Fort Niagara a total of 900 Americans.
In 1780, there were 3,678 people relying on Fort Niagara for provisions.
In 1780, Guy Johnson distributed clothing to more than 3,000 Indians at Fort Niagara.
In 1781, there were 892 men sent on various war parties from Fort Niagara.
In 1781, there were 405 warriors out on service from Fort Niagara.
In 1782, there were approximately 43,000 convicts on the island of Tasmania.
In 1810, the population of Buffalo was over 400.
In 1822, John Lay embarked on a steamboat carrying $120,000 worth of freight and 50 passengers.
In 1822, John Lay spent 60 days sailing from New Orleans to Liverpool.

Terms:

Scurvy: A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, often affecting sailors and those on long voyages or with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Minot: A unit of volume for dry goods, equal to 8 quarts.
Herbe de scorbut: A French term for a type of plant or herb used to treat scurvy.
Cataracouy: The French name for Kingston, Ontario.
Chevaux-de-frise: A military obstacle made from sharpened stakes, often used as a defense against cavalry charges.
Samp: A Native American dish made from pounded corn.
Kanadasaga: A Seneca village located near present-day Geneva, New York.
Conestoga wagon: A type of large covered wagon used for freight transport in the early American West.
Ticket-of-leave: A document granted to convicts in Tasmania, allowing them to work freely in a designated area but subject to certain restrictions.
Bush: An Australian term for the wilderness, often referring to dense forest areas.

Examples:

Father Dallion’s visit to the Neuter nation: Dallion’s encounter with the Neuters, including his attempts to convert them to Christianity, illustrates the early missionary efforts on the Niagara Frontier.
Father Brébeuf’s vision of the cross: Brébeuf’s vision of a cross in the sky, a powerful moment of religious devotion, underscores the profound impact of faith on the early explorers and missionaries.
The building of Fort Denonville: The rapid construction of Fort Denonville by the French in 1687 demonstrates the strategic importance of the Niagara Frontier and the rivalry between the French and British.
The Gilbert family’s captivity: The harrowing story of the Gilbert family’s capture and their hardships during their march to Fort Niagara is a stark example of the cruelty inflicted on American prisoners during the Revolution.
David Ogden’s experiences: Ogden’s journey from capture to running the gauntlet at Fort Niagara and his subsequent adoption into a Seneca family, illustrates the harsh realities of war and the impact on civilians.
The Caroline affair: The burning of the Caroline, a ship used by American Patriots to transport supplies to Navy Island, highlights the tensions and violence that characterized the border between the United States and Canada in the 1830s.
Moseby’s case: Moseby’s arrest and the ensuing conflict between those seeking his return to slavery and those who advocated for his freedom in Canada, showcases the fight against slavery and the Underground Railroad’s operations in the Niagara Frontier.
John Lay’s journeys: Lay’s travels from Buffalo to New Orleans and his subsequent journey to Europe, followed by his return across the United States, illustrate the expansive nature of trade and exploration in the early 19th century.
Robert Marsh’s misadventures: Marsh’s involvement in the Patriot rebellion and his subsequent capture and imprisonment in Canada, followed by his exile to Tasmania, underscores the consequences of reckless actions and the hardships faced by those involved in the rebellion.
William Wells Brown’s work on the Underground Railroad: Brown’s experience as a runaway slave and his subsequent work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, transporting other slaves to Canada, highlights the courage and dedication of those involved in the anti-slavery movement.

Conclusion:

The Niagara Frontier’s history, as recounted in “Old Trails on the Niagara Frontier,” is a tapestry woven from tales of faith, exploration, conflict, and ultimately, freedom. The region has witnessed the struggles of early missionaries, the clash of European empires, the brutality of war, and the enduring quest for liberty. From the cross-bearers who first braved the wilderness to the courageous souls who traveled the Underground Railroad, the stories of those who walked these trails remind us of the human cost of ambition, the dangers of conflict, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. This book offers a unique perspective on the Niagara Frontier’s history, revealing a complex and multifaceted story that continues to resonate with modern readers.

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