Commemorative Plaques & Markers - SOUTH
The following catalogues the historic plaques and markers placed south of Niagara Falls, from Table Rock to Fort Erie:
Burch's Mills (across from the Old Scow just above the brink of the Falls)
"In 1786 John Burch, a United Empire Loyalist, constructed a water-powered grist and saw mill on this site. He was the first to use the waters on the west bank of the Niagara River for industrial purposes. The mills were burned by the retreating American army on July 26, 1814, after the Battle of Lundy's Lane. Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission."
Stranded Scow (just above the brink of the Falls)
"On August 6th, 1918, this dumping scow broke loose from its towing tug about 1.6 km (1 mile) up river with Gustav F. Lofberg and James N. Harris aboard. The men opened the bottom dumping doors and the scow grounded in the shallow rapids. They were rescued the next day by breeches buoy on a line shot out from the roof of the adjacent power house. Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission"
Gate House (in front of Ontario Power)
"The Ontario Power Generating Station Gate House is erected over six metre diameter conduits which carry water 1.8 km to the plant located on the river's edge just downstream of the Falls. This generating station commissioned in 1905 was the first major alternating current generator on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Courtesy Ontario Hydro"
Ontario Power Screen House (in front of Ontario Power)
"This walkway crossing the Ontario Power Generation Station forebay replaces a screen house used to stop debris and ice from entering the plant conduits. The outer weir structure forming the plant forebay closes off the entrance to Dufferin Islands around which the river formerly flowed at depths of two metres. Courtesy Ontario Hydro."
Niagara Control Works (plaque on wall outside International Control Works building)
"These control works were built and are operated under the direction of the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada for the preservation and enhancement of the beauty of Niagara Falls pursuant to the Treaty of 1950."
Ontario Hydro Tunnel Gates (moved in 2006 for Hydro tunnel construction)
"These control gates mark the entrance to two 13.7 metre diameter tunnels which carry water to the forebays of Hydro's Sir Adam Beck Generating Station ten km downstream at Queenston. The tunnels pass under the city of Niagara Falls as deep as 101 metres. They can transport water at the rate of 1850 cubic metres per second. Courtesy Ontario Hydro"
Raid on Ft. Schlosser 1813
"At daybreak on July 5, 1813, a British and Canadian force consisting of some 35 militia and a small detachment of 49th Regt. embarked in the vicinity to attack Ft. Schlosser. This American depot (now within Niagara Falls, N.Y.) was situated at the south terminus of the Lewiston Portage and was an important military trans-shipment point. The attacking force commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Clark of the 2nd Regt. Lincoln Militia, surprised the U.S. garrison and encountered little resistance. They captured a gunboat, two bateaux, a small brass cannon and a substantial quantity of small arms and supplies. While re-embarking they were attacked by local American militia but suffered no casualties. Erected by the Archeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario"
Fort Chippawa 1791
"The fortifications which stood on this site were built in 1791 to protect the southern terminus of the Niagara Portage road and served as forwarding depot for government supplies. Known also as Ft. Welland, the main structure consisted of a log block house surrounded by a stockade. During the War of 1812, several bloody engagements were fought in this vicinity including the bitterly contested Battle of Chippawa July 5, 1814 and possession of the fort frequently changed hands. A barracks storehouse, officers' quarter and earth works were added in 1814-15 but shortly thereafter Ft. Chippawa was abandoned and fell into decay. Erected by the Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board"
The Battle of Chippawa (National Historic Site - bronze plaque on stone on Trail near pedestrian entrance to Chippawa Battlefield Park)
"Here on 5 July 1814 an American army under Major-General Jacob Brown launched the first major invasion of Canada during the War of 1812. The Americans defeated a British and Canadian force commanded by Major-General Phineas Riall consisting of regulars, militia and Aboriginal warriors. During the engagement about 200 men were killed and 500 wounded. After four months of heavy fighting, with major action at Lundy's Lane, Fort Erie and Cooks Mill, the invaders were forced back to the United States. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada" (relocated in 2000) (complete text also in French)
Battle of Chippawa (Memorial Cairn in Chippawa Battlefield Park, on the Niagara Parkway south of Chippawa - plaques on all four sides)
West side:
"Battle of Chippawa 5 July 1814
In memory of all those who fought on this ground, many of whom are buried nearby, and to commemorate the peace that has prevailed between Canada and the United States since that time. This monument was erected and dedicated by The Niagara Parks Commission. October 2001. Brian E. Merrett, Chairman, The Niagara Parks Commission"
South side:
"Dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the Left Division, United States Army, who fought here on 5 July 1814
Regiment of United States Light Dragoons, Major Jacob Hindman's Battalion, United States Corp of Artillery, 9th United States Infantry Regiment, 11th United States Infantry Regiment, 17th United States Infantry Regiment, 19th United States Infantry Regiment, 22nd United States Infantry Regiment, 23rd United States Infantry Regiment, 25th United States Infantry Regiment, 5th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment"
East side:
"Dedicated to the memory of the warriors of the First Nations allied with Britain and the First Nations allied with the United States who fought here on 5 July 1814."
North side:
"Dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the Right Division, British Army in North America, who fought here on 5 July 1814.
19th Regiment of Light Dragoons, Captain James Maclachlan's Company, Royal Regiment of Artillery, 1st Battalion, 1st (Royal Scots) Regiment of Foot, 1st Battalion, 8th (King's ) Regiment of Foot, 100th (Prince Regent's County of Dublin) Regiment of Foot, Troop of Provincial Royal Artillery Drivers, and the 2nd Lincoln Regiment, Militia of Upper Canada from the Niagara Peninsula, which at the Battle of Chippawa, suffered the highest casualties lost by a Canadian militia unit in a single engagement during the War of 1812."
Chippawa Battlefield Park Walking Tour - Panels 1 - 6. Plexiglass panels, green/blue/orange/brown freestanding in a row. Chippawa Battlefield approx. 15 yards from monument, west side of Niagara Parkway just north of entrance to Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 1 Background to a Battle
On these fields and the surrounding woods 4,000 American, British, Canadian and Native forces fought the first major battle of the Niagara campaign of 1814. When the last shots died away on Samuel Street's farm, more than 800 lay dead and wounded. Since 18 June 1812, when the United States declared war on Great Britain, a small force of British Regulars, Canadian Militia and Native Warriors had turned back seven American invasions of Canada. On 3 July 1814, Major General Jacob Brown, commanding a well trained force of 4,500 troops, crossed the Niagara River from Buffalo, New York and quickly captured Fort Erie. The next day, Brown ordered Brigadier General Winfield Scott to take his brigade and the U.S. Dragoons (1400 men) north, along the River Road and secure the bridge over the Chippawa (Welland) River, 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) north of this spot. Scott pushed the rear guard of the British forces along the river road, only to find the bridge destroyed and the British forces in a strong position on the north side of the river at Fort Chippawa. He returned to Street's (now Ussher's) Creek to camp for the night. Just before midnight, Scott was joined by Major General Brown who was followed by Brigadier General Eleazer Wheelock Ripley's Second Brigade of U.S. Regulars with the U.S. Artillery (1,200 men) and Brigadier General Peter B. Porter's 3rd Brigade of state militia and allied native warriors (500 militia and 400 warriors). Native Warriors served along side the British forces and American forces at Chippawa. They were considered excellent reconnaissance troops and marksmen. Their fierce reputation in battle was considered an asset by commanders on both sides.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 2 Opening Strikes July 5, 1814 3:00 p.m.
At dawn 5 July 1814, parties of Canadian-Militia and British allied Native Warriors scouted the American camp. They began sniping from the bushes on the north side of Street's Creek and this continued throughout the morning. Around noon, General Brown ordered General Porter to take some of his men and end this harassing fire. At about 2pm, Porter led his New York and Pennsylvania Militia and allied Warriors into the woods to the west, crossed the creek and drove the scouting parties through the woods towards the Chippawa River. General Brown rode to Ussher's Farm, where a forward company of the 21st U.S. was posted, in order to monitor Porter's progress. He noticed the tempo of fire in the woods change to disciplined volleys as British regular light infantry joined the battle. When Porter's troops reached the edge of the woods near the Chippawa River they found themselves within a few yards of the British army drawn up in the line of battle. Porter's men quickly withdrew to the cover of the woods. Muskets The smoothbore flintlock musket was the standard weapon of both armies. They fired a ball almost 3/4 of an inch across out to 300 meters (328 yards) but were only accurate to 75 meters (82 yards). If a soldier stood he could fire his muzzle loader four or five rounds a minute. The battle lines at Chippawa stood for the fastest rate of fire and the two lines faced off at less than 75 paces at the range when the musket fire becomes accurate. Cannons The smoothbore cannons on both sides were using canister or case shot. Effective out to 400 meters (437 yards) each blast of a gun could unleash dozens of iron shot the size of golf balls. U.S. gunners won this battle by bringing their cannons (7 guns) against the British line and raking the length of the red coated line from both flanks.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 3Advance to Contact July 5, 1814 3:30 p.m.
Major General Phineas Riall, the British commander, had repaired the bridge over the Chippawa and ordered his own Regular light infantry, the local Canadians of the 2nd Lincoln Militia and a force of Native Warriors, to clear out the now scattered American skirmishers. The remainder of Riall's brigade 1st, 8th and 100th Regiments of Foot (1,400 men) marched south along the river road toward General Brown and his outpost. Brown could not see the British troops through the strip of trees just south of Chippawa but he could see the dust kicked up by the British and he ordered Scott's brigade into action. As Riall's brigade formed for battle with their artillery along the river road, Scott's men crossed Street's Creek under fire from the British guns. Scott's troops, dressed in their grey work jackets, did not falter and pushed straight up the river road to Ussher's. They turned onto the farm lane leading into the area of cleared fields both armies called the plain, formed into line facing the British and advanced about 50 meters (54 yards). Grey Jackets The U.S. Infantry at Chippawa matched the musketry of their red coated adversaries. To this day the Gray Jackets of Winfield Scott's brigade live on in the dress uniforms at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 4 Battle on the Plain July 5, 1814 4:30 p.m.
British General Riall was convinced that the greater part of Brown's army was still surrounding Fort Erie. He did not know the Fort had surrendered and he was facing the entire U.S. division. Still, the number of men deployed on both sides was virtually the same: 6 British guns verses 7 U.S., with each side mustering about 1400 regulars, 200 militia and 300 warriors. Confident in the abilities of his regulars, Riall advanced towards the waiting grey-coated line. The Redcoats pushed to within 75 meters (82 yards) of the American line and a vicious stand up fire fight ensued: standing being the quickest means of loading a musket. The British artillery guns were now screened by their own infantry. The 11th U.S. Infantry advanced obliquely to the left to fire into the flank of the British brigade. Scott ordered Towson's artillery gunners to enfilade or fire across the front of the British line. The 25th U.S. Infantry, under fire from British artillery, advanced into the woods against the British light troops. Once the light troops were cleared, the 25th turned to fire into the British flanks, preventing the King's 8th from joining the main British line with the 1st Royal Scots and 100th Regiment. Redcoats: The famous redcoat was known around the world as the symbol for the hardest fighting and most disciplined troops. In virtually every engagement against enemy troops in the open, British infantry prevailed in a stand up fire fight.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 5 Final Stages July 5, 1814 5:30 p.m.
As the battle raged, more American artillery deployed to the middle of the plain between the 11th U.S. and the lone 25th U.S. company, less than 100 meters (109 yards) from the British line. General Brown then led Ripley's brigade across Street's Creek to the west in an effort to envelop the entire British Force. However, the creek was chest deep, the undergrowth thick and Ripley's men never did join the fight on the plain. Meanwhile, with point blank canister raking his line, the enemy's combined 9th / 22nd Infantry standing their ground and the 25th U.S. preventing his line from deploying, General Riall ordered a withdrawal. The British troops slowly moved back, firing as they retired. They were cover by the 19th Light Dragoons and the guns of Fort Chippawa until the brigade crossed the Chippawa River and once again destroyed the bridge, temporarily leaving some Native allies on the American side. For the first time during the War of 1812, the U.S. Army had defeated equal number of British Regulars in open battle. Brown reported 58 killed, 241 wounded and 19 missing. Riall listed 148 killed, 321 wounded and 46 missing. Although difficult to estimate, the combined Native Warrior casualties from both sides exceeded 100 killed and wounded. The soldiers killed during the Battle of Chippawa were buried the next day, on the battlefield by the Americans. Militia Citizen soldiers served on both sides at the battle. They were often supplied cast off regular army uniforms or they simply made do with civilian attire. Male citizens in Canada and the U.S. from age 16 to 60 were expected to perform military service.
Chippawa Battlefield Panel 6 The Aftermath. In the days following the battle, General Brown's victorious troops advanced another 25 kilometers (18 miles) north to Fort George before retiring back to Niagara Falls when more British troops arrived in the area. They met the British forces again on 25 July along another farmer's lane where 1,800 more men were killed and wounded. Following the bloody Battle of Lundy's Lane the American forces passed the field and graves of the Battle of Chippawa as they withdrew to Fort Erie. The U.S. Army successfully defended Fort Erie through a six week siege during which another 3,200 troops became casualties. After being reinforced with another 5,000 men, the U.S. Army again advanced to Chippawa. This time they tried to cross the Chippawa River 12 kilometers (9 miles) west of here and this attempt was checked by Canadian and British troops at the Battle of Cook's Mills on 19 October 1814. The U.S. forces again returned to Fort Erie. With winter coming on, they blew up the Fort and on 5 November 1814 went home. The Treaty of Ghent was signed 24 December 1814, formally ending the War of 1812.
Present Day Battlefield
In 1995 the surrounding 300 acres (121 hectares) of land was acquired by The Niagara Parks Commission to preserve this pristine battlefield. The memorial cairn, erected in 2001 by the Niagara Parks, is dedicated to the Regiments and First Nations warriors who fought the Battle of Chippawa and commemorates the lasting peace between Canada and the United States. The monument is constructed of cobblestones donated by Fort Niagara (Youngstown New York) and the cannon balls are from Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario), both key sites in the War of 1812.
Battle of Chippawa - July 5, 1814. Brass and green plaque on stone on grounds of Legends on the Niagara
Facing east from this spot, you can look out over the Chippawa Battlefield where, on July 5, 1814 during the War of 1812, an invading American army defeated a British force. Both armies consisted of regulars, militia and Native warriors. The battle was part of the last large scale American invasion of Canadian soil. Twenty days later this invading army again met the British forces at Lundy's Lane, in what is now Niagara Falls, Ontario. After a long bloody battle the Americans withdrew to Fort Erie and eventually returned to the United States. The War of 1812 ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814. The stone monument seen in the distance was erected by The Niagara Parks Commission in 2001 to commemorate the participants of this battle. Brian E. Merrett, Chairman, Niagara Parks
BLACK CREEK SOUTH TO FORT ERIE
Navy Island (National Historic Site - bronze plaque on stone, on river side of the Niagara River Parkway north of the entrance to Legends on the Niagara - PHOTO)
"The British used Navy Island, from 1761 to 1764 as a shipyard in which to build the first British decked vessels to sail the upper lakes. These were essential in maintaining the supply lines westward during Pontiac's uprising, 1763-4. Thereafter the island remained undisturbed until 14 December 1837 when William Lyon Mackenzie, after being defeated at Toronto, led a "Patriot" army from Buffalo to occupy it. Swift reaction by local militia and British regulars prevented his moving to the mainland and on 14 January 1838, facing a hopeless situation, he abandoned the island. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Government of Canada " (text also in French)
Slater's Dock (tablet on boulder on west side of Parkway across from north end of Navy Island)
"In 1894 the Niagara Falls Park and River Railway extended its tracks to Slater's Dock located at this point. Passengers discharged at the dock by steamboats from Buffalo then boarded the cars of this electric railway to travel to Queen Victoria Park or to the Queenston docks where they boarded a lake boat for Toronto. Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission"
The Destruction of the Caroline 1837 (opposite Navy Island)
"On the night of December 29-30 1837, some sixty volunteers acting on the orders of Colonel Allan Napier McNab, and commanded by Captain Andrew Drew, R.N., set out from Chippawa in small boats to capture the American steamer (Caroline). That vessel, which had been supplying William Lyon Mackenzie's rebel forces on Navy Island, was moored at Fort Schlosser, New York. There she was boarded by Drew's men, her crew killed or driven ashore, and after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engines, her capturers set the ship afire and let her sink in the Niagara River. This action almost precipitated war between Britain and the United States. Erected by Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board 1960."
Conestoga Wagon Trek (bronze plaque on stone on the river side of the Niagara River Parkway, near the boatramp at the intersection of Netherby Road)
"The border between Canada and the United States of America has witnessed many migrations of people. At two times, however, the migration was primarily from south to north. That was in the troubled days just before the American Revolutionary War and during the uneasy decades when the new republic was being formed. During the last two decades of the eighteenth century, many people motivated by loyalty to the British crown and fearing some aspects of the course being set by the new United States, sold prosperous farms in Pennsylvania and moved their possessions by conestoga wagons to Ontario. They entered the Niagara River at Black Rock N.Y. and probably landed at or near this point. Many were German speaking people known as Pennsylvania Dutch. They came from Lancaster and neighbouring counties in Pennsylvania and settled in the Fort Erie area, Jordan, Vineland, the Markham area and Kitchener-Waterloo. Their inconquerable courage and inflexible faith, together with hard work and much sacrifice helped to establish many of the churches and the farming and business enterprises in this and other areas in the province of Ontario. This marker was erected by persons who, in 1997, celebrated the 200th anniversary of their foreparents' journey from Pennsylvania to Ontario by re-enacting their trek."
Frenchmen's Creek (National Historic Site - plaque on stone at intersection of Niagara River Parkway and Frenchmen's Creek)
"In an effort to regain the initiative lost at Queenston, the Americans planned a general invasion for 28 November 1812. Before dawn advance parties crossed the Niagara River to cut communications between Fort Erie and Chippawa and to silence the British shore guns. The attackers failed to destroy the bridge over Frenchmen's Creek and the batteries they had overrun were soon retaken by British reinforcements. After confused fighting the advance parties returned to the American shore. The main assault failed to materialize. The fiasco ended American hopes for victory on the Niagara Frontier in 1812. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Government of Canada 1923." (text also in French)
The Ebenezer Community
"In 1852 this was the site of the Ebenezer community of 800 people. It had log houses, a wharf, store, blacksmith shop, sawmill, woollen mill, flour mill, tannery, cabinet shop and communal dining hall. Their best known product was high quality cotton denim dyed Ebenezer blue. In 1859 the community moved to Amana, Iowa. Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission"
Bert Miller (on a rock on the south-west corner of Cairns Crescent and the Niagara Parkway)
"Loyalist homestead of Albert Weathersone "Bert" Miller 1882-1973, a noted Ontario amateur naturalist who devoted much of his life to the collection and preservation of rare plants, shrubs, and trees of the Niagara peninsula. "All my efforts and whatever expense was involved have been rewarded by someone else enjoying what I have found." Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission"
Marina (bronze plaque on a stone cairn)
"Three different companies built many ships on this site during the years 1904 to 1930. This shipyard was known locally as the Bridgburg Shipyard. Four ocean cargo boats such as the "War Magic" and the "War Vixen" were built in 1917-1919. In 1965 the Niagara Parks began construction of this marina. Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission"
Mackenzie's Crossing 1837 (bronze marker in parking area at Thompson Road and the Niagara Parkway)
"On December 7th, 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie's "Patriot" forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia and he fled towards the United States. Travelling little used routes in order to avoid government forces which were scouring the countryside he reached this vicinity on December 11th. Captain Samuel McAfee who owned this property at the time provided Mackenzie with a boat to cross the Niagara River. While the rebel leader was embarking Colonel James Kerby arrived with a detachment of militia but the McAfee family distracted his attention till Mackenzie gained the safety of the American shore. Erected by the Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board 1959."
McAfee Cemetery (just west on Thompson Road)
"McAfee Cemetery founded 1819 by a Society of Methodists who were United Empire Loyalists and pioneer settlers in the Township of Bertie, District of Niagara."
Sir Casimir Gzowski (south of the International Railway Bridge on the west side of the Niagara Parkway)
"Erected by the Association of Engineers of the Province of Ontario and the Engineering Institute of Canada, in honour of an outstanding Canadian Engineer, Sir Casimir Gzowski, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the completion of the International Railway Bridge across the Niagara River between the United States and Canada July 1973."
Freedom Park (bronze plaque on stone on the river side of the Niagara Parkway near Nichol's Marine in Fort Erie)
"From around 1830 to 1860, thousands of freedom seekers used the Underground Railroad to reach sanctuary in Canada - the "promised land". Many crossed the Niagara River from the United States to Fort Erie, including Josiah Henson and his family, who arrived on the 28th of October 1830. The book Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriett Beecher Stowe, was patterned after his life. The park has been created to celebrate their lives and to remind present and future generations of their struggle to be free. Brian E. Merrett, Chairman, The Niagara Parks Commission, October 28, 2000."
Fort Erie Ferry Landings (Freedom Park, Fort Erie)
Blue and brass Plaque, mounted on one of two grey stone pillars (left one). East side of Niagara Parkway facing road.
"Throughout the 1800's there were many ferry landings competing for business along the Niagara River. The map below is a compilation of some of these locations. Ferry leases were granted to Col. John Warren Sr., John Warren Jr., Nelson Forsyth, Kenneth Mackenzie and Col. James Kirby. Colonel James Kirby was also collector of Customs during the mid 1800s and reported his frustration to the government that "ferry boats landed here and there and everywhere as might best suit them."
Bertie Street Ferry Landing c. 1796 - 1950 (Freedom Park, Fort Erie, ON)
Blue and brass Plaque, mounted on one of two stone pillars (right one). East side of Niagara Parkway facing road.
"Over the centuries there have been many ferry landings along the Niagara River. Some were built by local merchants and some as government licenced landing points. The longest operating ferry dock was here, near the foot of present day Bertie Street. It was licenced to Henry Windecker c. 1796. This hub of activity was not only a crossing point to and from the United States, but was also the location of customs, immigration, vehicle registration, and a railroad terminus. During the mid 1800s fugitive slave were ferried here to freedom, as their last stop on the "Underground Railroad". During the early 1900s tourists could board the Fort Erie, Snake Hill and Pacific Railroad at this point, for a trip to Erie Beach Amusement Park. Ferry business declined following the opening of the Peace Bridge in 1927. The last crossing of people and vehicles to Fort Erie by ferry occurred Sept. 2, 1950, on a boat called the Orleans."
J.L. Kraft 1874-1953 (Freedom Park, Fort Erie) Photo. Blue and brass plaque, freestanding between two buildings next to Ming The Chinese Restaurant on east side of Niagara Parkway.
"Cheesemaker James Lewis Kraft was born on a dairy farm near Stevensville in 1874. He was educated locally and worked nearby at Ferguson's general store. In 1903, Kraft went to Buffalo then Chicago where he set up his own wholesale cheese business. Four of his brothers joined the company in 1909, opening a cheese factory in 1914. Kraft developed a revolutionary process, patented in 1916, for pasteurizing cheese so that it would resist spoiling and could be shipped long distances. The company grew quickly, expanding into Canada in 1919. Over the years, Kraft introduced many innovative products and used progressive marketing techniques to make his company one of North America's leading food producers. Kraft also supported the Baptist Church and was a strong proponent of religious education for young people."
Mather Arch (in the Park near the gateway to the Peace Bridge) Carved on south side of Arch:
This gateway was build by The Niagara Parks Commission in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty nine. Commissioners Hon. T. B. McQueston K.C. Chairman Hamilton, Dr. Geo S. Snyder Vice Chairman Niagara Falls, Hon. Wm L. Houck B.S. Niagara Falls, Archie J Haines MPP Jordan, John C M German KC Toronto, Rose Harstone Hamilton, A.T. Whitaker Brantford, Donald McGillivray Port Colborne, C. Ellison Kaumeyer General Manager, Designed by Carl Borgstrom Associates, H.S.M. Carver, E.L. Sheppard
Carved in Stone on ground at front of monument: Let the peaceful surroundings of this Park be enjoyed by the People on both sides of the water to signify the blessings of lasting peace and that only friendship and goodwill shall bridge the frontier between these two nations.
Memorial Statue: (On front under Soldier.) They gave their today for our to-morrow. World War I 1914-1918, World War II 1939-1945, Korea 1950-1953. Ypres to Mons. (Lists of names of Our Honoured Dead).
Brass Plaque on stone in garden: A memorial of friendship. This plaque marks the crossing from the United States of America into the Dominion of Canada of a delegation from the Associated country Women of the World and is dedicated to the rural women of this continent and entrusted to their perpetual care. Peace Bridge June 12, 1936.
Mrs. Alfred (Madge) Watt, BME, MA, co-founder and first president of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) dedicated this plaque to the rual women of this continent in a ceremony at the centre of the Peace Bridge on June 16, 1936. It was accepted by representatives of the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus and the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada on the occasion of the 1936 Washington DC Conference of the ACWW. With the cooperation of The Niagara Parks Commission, this plaque was re-dedicated during the 23rd Triennial Conference of the ACWW held in Hamilton, Ontario in June of 2001.
Brass & Black Plaque: "Let there be Peace". This plaque is placed by The Niagara Parks Commission in memory of Alonzo C. Mather for his contributions to friendship between Canada and the United States of American on the occasion of "Friendship Week" in the Town of Fort Erie. August 19, 1978.
Brass & Black Plaque: Restoration of Mather Arch. Mather Arch was built through the vision and generosity of Alonzo C. Mather in tribute to the peace shared by Canada and the United States of America. This impressive memorial arch was originally dedicated in August 1940. Sixty years later, The Niagara Parks Commission undertook a major restoration of Mather Arch, as a millenium project., representing the Commission's commitment to the preservation and stewardship of heritage structures on its lands. This plaque was dedicated on August 26, 2000 to commemorate the restoration of this landmark to a renewed state of splendour. Brian E. Merrett, Chairman, The Niagara Parks Commission
Niagara's Freedom Trail (Photo. Plaque on stone on the Trail north of Old Fort Erie)
"An African-American Heritage Tour - The Crossing. At this former ferry crossing landing, hundreds of escaped slaves experienced freedom for the first time. 1796 to 1949 ferries were one of the main links between the two cities of Buffalo, N.Y. and Fort Erie, Ontario. During the first half of the 19th century they also provided the key to freedom in Canada for many escaping Blacks. The Underground Railroad was a secret system of stations and conductors which aided Blacks in their escape to the more tolerant northern States, or ultimately to the freedom of Canada. Fort Erie became a popular crossing for many Blacks, as it is one of the most southerly points of contact with the United States. Ferry operators aided escaped slaves and used a secret system of tokens to distinguish bona fide passengers from potential spies. The illustration shows one such ferry circa 1895. This plaque was provided by the Region Niagara Tourist Council. Photo courtesy of Buffalo & Erie Country Historical Society"
Great Lakes Agreement (bronze plaque on boulder on the river side of the Trail about 100 metres north of Old Fort Erie)
"In Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States 1972-1997."
Capture of the "Ohio" and "Somers" (bronze plaque right of the Gate inside the parade square of Old Fort Erie)
"On the night of 12 August 1814, as a prelude to a British attack on Fort Erie, an expedition was mounted against three armed American schooners anchored off the fort. Captain Alexander Dobbs, R.N. embarked with 70 seamen and marines in six bateaux which had been portaged from Frenchmen's Creek, and by a ruse got close enough to cut the hawsers and board and capture the OHIO and SOMERS. The third vessel, PORCUPINE, escaped. Dobbs' victory was the last naval action fought on the Great Lakes in the War of 1812. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Government of Canada" (all text also in French)
Fort Erie (National Historic Site - bronze plaque left of the Gate inside the parade square of Old Fort Erie)
"Three fortifications occupied this site. The first (1764-1779) and second (c. 1783-1803) , located at lower levels, were abandoned when ice and water inundated the works. The third Fort Erie, built between 1805 and 1808, was repaired in January 1814 but was captured by an invading American army in July of that same year. The Americans used it as a base for subsequent operations, retreated here after their defeat at Lundy's Lane, survived a siege by the British in August and September, and destroyed the fort on November 5, 1814. It was rebuilt by The Niagara Parks Commission 1937-1939. Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Government of Canada 1933." (text also in French)
Stone Memorial at Old Fort Erie (marking mass grave, erected in 1904)
(carved at top)
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori (It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country)
(bronze plaque on centre pillar front and rear) "In memory of the officers and seamen of the Royal Navy, the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Marines, 1st Royal Scots, 19th Light Dragoons, 6th, 8th (King's), 41st, 82nd, 89th, 103rd, 104th, and Dewatteville's Regiments, the Glengary Light Infantry and the incorporated militia who fell during the siege of Fort Erie, August and September, 1814."
(engraved on base) "Here lie buried 150 officers and men who fell in the attack on Fort Erie on the 26th day of August 1814 and three of the defenders, men of the United States infantry, whose remains were discovered during the restoration of Fort Erie 1938 & 1939."
Click to read about the plaques located in the North Park, between Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Falls.
