Fort George was built by the British to serve as a secondary fort to Fort Niagara, across the Niagara River. Its large size was because it was originally also supposed to serve as a supply depot.
However, the Jay Treaty required the British to withdraw from Fort Niagara. In 1791, land was set aside to build the fortifications that became Fort George on the high ground next to the Navy Hall at Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The site was selected by mermbers of the Royal Engineers at an elevation of 14 feet higher than Fort Niagara across the river.
However, the British Army didn't leave Fort Niagara until 1796 after the Jay Tearty was signed. Fort George was completed the same year with a blockhouse/barracks, a stone gunpowder storage magazine and two small warehouses.
In an attempt to negate the elevation advantage, Americans built a battery on an elevated bank across the river. In an effort to counteract this, the British then built a half moon battery southeast of Fort George.
Fort George was largely manned by members of the Royal Canadian Volunteers after British forces withdrew many troops from Upper Canada.
--Brock-Perry
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