Port Robinson in Thorold in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Founding Of Port Robinson

Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 3, 2021

1. Founding Of Port Robinson Marker

Inscription. Port Robinson, the southern terminus of the original Welland Canal, opened in 1829, was named for John Beverley Robinson, Chief Justice of Upper Canada. The village grew rapidly when hundreds of Irish immigrants laboured on the "Deep Cut" between Allanburg and this site. A company of Negro soldiers stationed here about 1843-51 enforced order along the canal. Port Robinson benefited from frequent canal improvements, and trade and industry, including a shipyard and dry docks, flourished. In 1856 Merrittsville (Welland) became the administrative centre for Welland County. Later, Port Robinson's development was slowed when the shipyards were closed. After about 1880, when its inhabitants totalled some 800, there was a decline in population and business activity.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 43° 2.423′ N, 79° 12.557′ W.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is in Thorold, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Port Robinson. It is on River Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 River Street, Thorold ON L0S 1K0, 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,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: 2nd Welland Canal River Lock At Port Robinson (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 2nd Welland Canal River Lock At Port Robinson (within shouting distance of this marker); Beckett's Reserve-McFarland House c. 1840 / Stephen Beatty House 1879 (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Allanburg Firehouse First World War Memorial (about

Founding Of Port Robinson - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 3, 2021

2. Founding Of Port Robinson - Marker in context

150 meters away); The Pew House c. 1871 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Pew House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Camp House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Robert Ross House (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thorold.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.