Jacques Cartier and his explorers had entered the St. Lawrence and endured their first winter at Stadacona (Quebec). Decimated by scurvy and privations, and in extreme danger from the hostility of the Indians, he determined to return to France, taking with him the remnants of his expedition. On 3rd May, 1536, three days before leaving, he raised upon the river bank a cross 35 feet in height, on which was a shield bearing the Lilies of France, and an inscription:
"Franciscus Primus Dei Gratia Francorum Regnat."
As Cartier had returned and established their strong-hold at tidewater, near Quebec, so the survivors of the party of Pierre de Troyes at Niagara, in 1688, hoped they, too, might again return and repossess for their nation this centre from which they were so reluctantly retiring. These two events so far separated in time, are striking evidences of the constancy with which these pioneers of France, even when seemingly overcome, showed their hopeful fidelity to King and to their religion.
The French in 1721 were, according to Charlevoix, once more in occupation.
The position of Fort Niagara, commanding the route to their series of forts on the lines of the Ohio and Mississippi, was considered by the French as second in importance only to that of Quebec, and consequently great store laid upon its possession. Under Jonquiere they added four bastions to the fort and erected a stone storehouse, called "The Castle," which is still to be seen. Further strengthenings were added by Capt. Puchot, of the Battalion of Bearne.
In 1759, notwithstanding Puchot's gallant defence, the fort was captured by the British, under Sir William Johnson, and thus both sides of the river came under British rule.
Three nationalities in succession had striven for its possession, the Indians, the French and the British, from whom it was never again taken by assault.
At the conclusion of the War of the Revolution the forts along the northern frontier were, by the Treaty of Paris, 1783, to be transferred to the United States. Fort Niagara, with some others, was held in hostage for the fulfillment of the reparations promised by the Federal Government of the United States to be made by the several States to the United Empire, and other Loyalists who had stood by the King during the Rebellion.
These reparations were never made, but after the guns had been removed to Fort George, on the Canadian side, the Union Jack was hauled down, and the fort handed over on 11th July, 1796.
The Stars and Stripes then remained in possession until the War of 1812, when in retaliation for the burning of Newark, the fort was assaulted and taken by storm by the British under Col. Murray on the night of 18th December, 1813, and the Union Jack was once more raised above it.