Niagara was invaded 3 times by the Americans during the years 1812 to 1814. Battles were fought by British soldiers, Canadian
militiamen and aboriginal people against the American attempt to annex Ontario to the USA. Occupation by American forces
lasted 7 months during this period. Fort George is the oldest remaining building in Niagara on the Lake, having been
refurbished to its 1812 appearance. The Fort is opened to the public seasonally from May 1st to November 30th, from 10am to
5pm. During the months of July and August, period guards demonstrate the drills and tactics of the 1812 encounters with
muskets and cannons during formal re-enactments of battles of the revolution. Period music provided by the Fort's resident
Fife and Drum Corps of the 41st Regiment of foot. Ghost Tours of the Fort are also offered during its seasonal opening.
During the month of December traditional Christmas fare is celebrated.
The first settlers in Niagara arrived over 10,000 years ago. Trails developed during the generations are still in use today.
The area provided the scenes for great battles during the 1812 war. During 1813 the American army occupied the town and fort
for 7 months. After their defeat and during their retreat the American army burnt the town. The town rebuilt and became the province of Ontario’s first capital, and the Headquarters of the Centre Division of the
British army stationed at Fort George. The town became a military centre where training was provided to soldiers, who later
fought in the Boer War and World War Two. Niagara on the Lake was the place where the first anti-slavery legislation was passed, and the birthplace of the Law Society
of Upper Canada. Ontario’s first library was established here, and the oldest golf course in Ontario is situated in the town.
Niagara on the Lake is also home to the first newspaper of the province, and the oldest continuously operation Inn in Ontario.
The town was for brief periods of time home to a then future president of United States, future Commander of the American Army
and a past President of the Confederate States of America. Generations of visitors have been visiting the attractions in
Niagara on the lake for over 140 years.
Fort George features seasonal battle re-enactments in battle costume
Niagara’s first Roman Catholic Church, St Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church c1834, is located along the corner of
Wellington and Picton streets.
St Mark’s Anglican Church is located on the right hand side of Byron Street. Beside the Church, at the corner of Byron and
King Streets is The Rectory c1858.
Diagonally across from King Street is the Masonic Hall (the old Stone Barracks) c1816, which was used for meetings public
gatherings. This location was possibly the first meeting place of the first parliament of Upper Canada. It still houses the
first Masonic Lodge in Upper Canada.
The Stewart-McLeod House c1830 is located along 42 Prideaux Street. Built by the family of Alexander Steward (son to one of
the founders of the Law Society of Upper Canada).
Located at 69 Prideaux Street is the Kerr-Wooll House “Demeath” c1815. Dr Robert Kerr, a prominent physician and surgeon to
the Indian Department rebuilt it after 1812.
Located at the corner of King and Queen Streets is a great example of mid Victorian high style commercial architecture - the
Niagara Apothecary. Operational as an apothecary from 1866 to 1964.
In the centre of Queen Street is the Clock Tower Cenotaph, which was erected as a memorial monument to the town’s fallen in
World War One.
Also located on Queen Street is the Court House building, constructed in 1847, and used at the Town Hall in 1862. The
building was restored in 1981 and currently features the refurbished Lord Mayor’s Chambers, the Chamber of Commerce and Parks
Canada’s offices. The Court House also features a seasonal theatre.
Located at the corner of Regent and Market streets is The Angel Inn – the oldest operating inn in Canada.
On the corner of Johnson and Victoria streets at number 95 Johnson Street, sits the Blain-Lansing Post House c1835, built by
mason master, James Blain. The property was once occupied by the Post Master and is now run as a country inn.
96 Johnson Street is the site of the Vanderlip-Marcy House c1816, which was built after the 1812 war.
105 Johnson Street is the location of the Varey House c1835. This building was built o n the fire damaged foundations of a
pre 1812 house and has Regency style features with a low pitched hipped roof.
On Victoria Street you will find the Grace United Church c1852. The building was designed by architect William Thomas and
built by member of the “Free” Presbyterians congregation and was later sold to the Methodists.
106 Queen Street is the site of the former McClellnads West End Store c1835.
Located at 165 Queen Street is the former home of Colonel Daniel MacDougal, the MacDougal-Harrison House c1820.
Located at 209 Queen Street is the Richard-Kiely House c1832, now operational as a hotel, the Charles Inn. Constructed by a
barrister and Member of Parliament, Charles Richardson, with additions added at the turn of the century.
Fort Mississauga can be viewed the end of Simcoe Street on the far side of the golf course. The Fort offers fantastic views
of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River from its vantage point.
The Kirby House c1832 is located at 130 Front Street. Former home of the 19th century author and historian, William
Kirby.
Lot Number 1, Town of Niagara, at the corner of Front and King Streets is the location of the Old Bank House c1817. The
building was constructed as the Bank of Upper Canada in 1817.
At number 66 King Street, is a building originally built as a hostel for sailors, The Whale Inn c1835.
A plague at the end of King Street marks the original site of “The Gleaner”, one of Upper Canada’s first independent
newspapers, which was published by Andrew Heron in 1817.
The harbor in Niagara on the Lake was the earliest location of dock and harbor facilities for the western area of Lake
Ontario.
Constructed in 1891 the Niagara Pumphouse served as the town’s water pumping station. The pumphouse was restored in 1994 and
now serves as the town’s Visual Art Centre.
Navy Hall is thought to be part of converted naval storehouses a barracks erected in 1795 by British naval craftsmen. Then
over the years several buildings, known collectively as Navy Hall, evolved into a large military complex and became a key
supply depot for British forts on the upper Great Lakes.
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