Although the United States ostensibly was ceded the fort after it gained independence in the American Revolutionary War, the British stayed until 1796.

A non-profit group operates the fort and grounds as a state park and preserves it in part as a museum and site for historical re-enactments.

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, built the first fortified structure, called Fort Conti, in 1678.

The winter weather and disease was severe, and all but twelve died by the time a relief force returned from Montreal.

Louis-Thomas Chabert de Joncaire was dispatched to the Seneca people, one of the Five Nations of the Iroquois League, to obtain permission to build a French post on the banks of the river.

[3] In 1726, French engineer Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry built a two-story Maison à Machicoulis or "Machicolated House" on the site to replace the old fort.

In North America, British colonists called this the French and Indian War; both sides cultivated Native American allies.

The Irish-born Johnson became the expedition's leader after General John Prideaux literally lost his head; he stepped in front of a mortar being test-fired during the siege.

Lt. Col. William Stacy, a high-ranking officer of the Continental Army, was captured by Butler's Rangers in their attack on Cherry Valley, New York.

In the interim, United Empire Loyalists fleeing persecution in the new US were given land grants, typically 200 acres (81 ha) per inhabitant in Upper Canada, and some were partly sustained in the early years by aid from the fort's military stores.

British forces captured the fort on the night of December 19, 1813, in retaliation for the Americans' burning of Niagara, formerly called Newark, nine days earlier.

The United States was preparing for entry into World War I in June 1917, so the post began an officer training school which included Daniel W. Hand and Charles W. Ryder as instructors.

Fort Niagara is considered one of the longest continuously run military bases within the boundaries of the United States, from French control in 1726 to the present day.

In 1949, Congress transferred Father Millet Cross National Monument to the State of New York, now a small memorial at Fort Niagara.

It is also a venue for period dances, fundraisers, and other special events (such as public displays, and shows relating to the history of the fort and the surrounding area).