HAUNTED OLD FORT NIAGARA

Historic forts and battle fields are powerful places for haunting. Fort Niagara's history dates to early settlement of America. The scene of important battles, the preserved fort is known to be haunted. What better time to visit than Halloween?

Over time, the fort was held by the French, British, and Americans. Unexplainable events happen at the fort all the time. So much so, that it doesn't even make news any more.

The most famous ghost appearing at the fort is The Headless Frenchman. The young officer is often seen walking through the fort looking for his head.

The young officer was killed by a fellow officer in a duel for the affections of an Iroquois maiden.

His opponent, not satisfied by the killing, beheaded him, and threw the head into the Niagara River at Lake Ontario. The "winner" of the duel threw the headless body into a well at the fort and later fled.

Many folks believe that the Beheaded Frenchman will not rest until head and body are reunited. The beheaded French officer is usually seen on full moons.

If you are skeptical, or just curious read on. Too many folks have seen the officer for it to be a complete hoax.

Folks come from near and far to see the historic fort, especially for the precise reenactment of battles staged there today. Well preserved and accessible, the fort is a destination for many who also visit Niagara Falls.

I go every so often myself for events. More than once I have felt the eerie drafts and heard odd noises.

At one battle reenactment I attended, I took a lesson from an axe thrower. I hit the target on the first throw. When the axe stayed stuck perfectly in the wooden target's heart, I was overcome with goosebumps.

When the axe left my hand I felt it propelled by something. Perhaps what I felt was just the perfect balance of the axe itself. End over end through the air smack into the target. Perhaps I had a perfect coach and a lucky throw.

I can't normally hit the side of a barn throwing anything, much less making a perfect overhand hatchet throw.

Visit Fort Niagara with me.