Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Ancient Oak: A Witness To History
Chêne Ancien: Témoin De L'Histoire
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
1. The Ancient Oak: A Witness To History Marker
The ancient oaks of Paradise Grove have witnessed over 250 years of military history.
Beginning in the 1700s, the British harvested local trees to build defensive fortifications along Lake Ontario, ships, a wharf and other facilities - including Navy Hall, which still stands today.
As part of the military reserve, wood within this grove could be freely used by the British for a variety of construction needs and continues to contribute to the rich history of this landscape.
Les chènes anciens du bocage de Paradise Grove ont vu s'écouler plus de 250 ans d'histoire militaire.
Déjà, dans les années 1700, les Britanniques se servaient d'arbres indigènes pour bâtir des fortifications défensives aux abords du lac Ontario, des navires, des quais et d'autres structures, y compris le Navy Hall, qui tient encore debout.
Puisque ce bocage faisait partie de la réserve militaire, les Britanniques pouvaient utiliser à leur gré ce bois à diverses fins. Aujourd'hui encore, ces arbres continuent d'enrichir la noble histoire de ces lieux.
Erected by Parks
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Military.
Location. 43° 14.673′ N, 79° 4.036′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from John Street East, on the left when traveling east. The marker is on the east side of Princess Alice Road Trail, 100 metres north of John St E. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 440A John Street E, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lupines (Lupinus perennis) were seeded here by Niagara area Scouts (about 150 meters away, measured
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
2. The Ancient Oak: A Witness To History Marker in context
This marker is in a cluster of 5 signs, on the east side of the walking trail.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
