Queenston in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Colonial Advocate

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

1. The Colonial Advocate Marker

Inscription. This influential journal of radical reform was first published on May 18, 1824, at Queenston, by William Lyon Mackenzie. A native of Scotland, Mackenzie had immigrated to Upper Canada in 1820 and three years later settled here and opened a general store. Within a year he had established a printing office in his home on this site, but in November, 1824, moved to York (Toronto). Because of Mackenzie's frequent attacks on the "Family Compact", supporters of this group raided The Colonial Advocate's offices and damaged the press on June 8, 1826. The courts awarded Mackenzie damages and he soon resumed publication. Mackenzie severed his connection with the paper, now called The Advocate, in 1834. and the last issue appeared that November.

Erected by (Ontario) Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Colonial Era • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 18, 1824.

Location. 43° 9.746′ N, 79° 3.212′ W.

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Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Queenston. It is on Queenston Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the property of a museum building, The "Mackenzie Printery". Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Queenston Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1L0, 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: Gordon's Quarter Medium Press (a few steps from this marker); Home of William Lyon Mackenzie (a few steps from this marker); Seeds Of Reform (a few steps from this marker); 'Alfred' (within shouting distance of this marker); Brock's Cenotaph (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Indians at Queenston Heights

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

2. The Colonial Advocate Marker

The marker is at the "head" end of a parking spot in the small (7 spot) parking lot.

(about 90 meters away); Brock Dead House (about 180 meters away); The Battle of Queenston Heights / la Bataille de Queenston (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Counter-Offensive Takes Shape / La contre-offensive prend forme (was about 120 meters away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding The Colonial Advocate. Besides his newspaper writing activities, Mackenzie held public offices, was a rebel leader in the 1837 rebellion, went to USA, was briefly jailed, then pardoned by the US president, became a US citizen, went back to Canada, and then sat in Canada's legislature for 7 years.

The Mackenzie Printery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

3. The Mackenzie Printery

This "printery" is 200 metres north of Brock's monument, peaking through the foliage in the top-left.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.