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

Willowbank

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

1. Willowbank Marker

Inscription. An outstanding example of Classical Revival architecture, this stately home was begun in 1833 and completed some two years later. It was erected by Alexander Hamilton (1794-1839), Sheriff of the Niagara District and fourth son of the powerful Upper Canadian businessman, Robert Hamilton, and it possesses a formal elegance befitting the affluence and prominence of the Hamilton family. Constructed of fine quality grey stone, Willowbank is distinguished by four pairs of tall white pillars surmounted by a handsome portico. The classic proportions of the structure are enhanced by its majestic setting in spacious grounds on a rise overlooking the village of Queenston. Owned by the Hamilton family until 1934, Willowbank remains little altered from its original appearance.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.

Location. 43° 10.061′ N, 79° 3.384′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara

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Region. It is in Queenston. It is on Queenston Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 93 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,

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: Major John Richardson (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Willowbank (about 120 meters away); Major General Sir Isaac Brock K.B. (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); St. Saviour / The Brock Memorial Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Township of Niagara War Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Founding of Queenston (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Queenston Baptist Church

Willowbank - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

2. Willowbank - Marker in context

The marker is beside Queenston Street, just north (right) of a back-entrance-gate to the Willowbank property.

(approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Home of Laura Ingersoll Secord (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Regarding Willowbank. Interestingly, this (provincial, blue) marker and a nearby (federal, maroon) plaque, have slightly different years for the start and end of construction.

Willowbank - distant rear view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

3. Willowbank - distant rear view

From Queenston Street, the Willowbank house is visible through the open back-entrance-gate. This grass walking path leads through the property and angles up the hill to the north (right) side of the house.

Willowbank - front view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

4. Willowbank - front view

This is the west (front) face of the house, where the parking is; and the south face.

Willowbank - rear view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

5. Willowbank - rear view

This is the east-facing (back) face of the house, and the north side.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.