Description: The story of Fort Bender, built in 1814, reflects the very same American ingenuity that led the Continental Army to an unlikely victory in the Revolutionary War three decades prior. Located near Lake Ontario, in Rochester, New York, the fort was hastily constructed as an intimidation tactic during the war of 1812. During the conflict, the citizens of Rochester, New York, feared a possible British invasion of their town, but, unfortunately, had less than three dozen soldiers to defend their livelihoods. So, to appear more formidable and numerous to onlooking armies, the soldiers constructed the fort and named it for Rochester resident Hastings R. Bender. Astonishingly, their gamble paid off, and the world’s strongest military was tricked into thinking that the measly militia of thirty-three untrained citizen soldiers were far stronger than they actually were. The ruse was a success; incredibly, the British decided against moving to capture Rochester.