The Founding of Queenston

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of Niagara
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
In Queenston, on the southeast corner of
Queenston and Dumfries Streets

Coordinates: N 43 09.886 W 79 03.275

Plaque Text

Following the loss, after the American Revolution, of the Niagara River's east bank, a new portage around Niagara Falls was established in the 1780s' with Queenston its northern terminus. Wharves, storehouses and a block-house were built. Robert Hamilton, a prominent merchant considered the village's founder, operated a thriving trans-shipment business. Known as the "Lower Landing", it was named "Queenston" by Lieut.-Governor Simcoe. During the War of 1812 the village was badly damaged. Here lived such well-known figures as Laura Secord and William Lyon MacKenzie. Despite loss of commerce following the opening of the Welland Canal in 1829, Queenston later served as a terminus for the province's first horse-drawn railway. Queenston was incorporated into the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1970.

More
Settlements

Other Plaques in Queenston
The Queenston Baptist Church
The Colonial Advocate
Laura Secord (1775-1868)
Willowbank
Major John Richardson 1796-1852

More towns and cities in Niagara Region
Chippawa
Port Colborne
Port Robinson
St. Catharines
Thorold

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