Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Locomotive Turntable
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
1. Locomotive Turntable Marker
For 103 years, beginning in 1854, a train powered by a steam locomotive pulled into the Niagara Dock. At first it only came from Chippawa via Niagara Falls and Queenston but by 1863 the line had been extended as far as Fort Erie and Buffalo. The train met the steamers which arrived from Toronto carrying tourists going to the Falls and soldiers bound for Camp Niagara. In late summer these ships returned to Toronto filled with baskets of peaches brought to the dock by the train. Riverbeach Drive and Turntable Way are streets that once were active rail lines in the Dock Area.
You are standing on the remains of the locomotive turntable, a rotating bridge which allowed the engine to be turned around for its return journey or to be shunted into the locomotive barn for servicing. If you walk down Turntable Way, past Lockhart Street, you will find the foundation of the old locomotive shed on your left. These railway relics have been officially designated as sites of historic importance to the town.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 43° 15.406′ N, 79° 3.864′ W. Marker was in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It was at the intersection of River Beach Drive and Turntable Way, on the left when traveling north on River Beach Drive. This historical marker is located along the Niagara River water front, almost directly opposite the river from the American Fort Niagara, in a residential area. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 99 River Beach Drive, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, Canada.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Turntable Historic Site (here, next to this marker); Engine House Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara-on-the-Lake's Railroad (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Niagara Harbour and Dock Company (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Butler's Rangers (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Gleaner Printing and Masonic Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Solo Swims Of Ontario (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Polish Soldiers Burial Plot 1917 1919 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
2. Locomotive Turntable Marker
Close-up view of the pictures and text on the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
3. Locomotive Turntable Marker
View of the historical marker (far left of the picture) and the outline of the turntable, and to the right of the picture is a view of the nearby street intersection and corner street sign.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
4. Locomotive Turntable Marker
View of the historical marker and the stone outline of the turntable looking west along Turntable Way.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
5. Fort Niagara
View looking across the street from the historical marker, between two residential dwellings, and across the Niagara River, towards Fort Niagara.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011
6. Fort Niagara
Close-up view from the site of the historical marker looking across the river at Fort Niagara.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
7. Locomotive Turntable - new stone marker, no old panel marker (was just left of new stone)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,318 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on June 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 2, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
