Fort Erie in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Mackenzie's Crossing 1837

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 18, 2025

1. Mackenzie's Crossing 1837 - Marker

Inscription. On December 7, 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie's "Patriot" forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia and he fled toward the United States. Travelling little used routes in order to avoid government forces which were scouring the countryside, he reached this vicinity on December 11th. Capt. Samuel McAfee, who owned this property at the time, provided Mackenzie with a boat to cross the Niagara River. While the rebel leader was embarking, Col. James Kerby arrived with a detachment of militia, but the McAfee family distracted his attention until Mackenzie gained the safety of the American shore.

Erected by The Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 11, 1837.

Location. 42° 56.929′ N, 78° 56.706′ W. Marker is in Fort Erie, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is at the intersection of Thompson Road and Niagara River Parkway on Thompson Road. Touch for map. Marker is

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in this post office area: Fort Erie ON L2A 6T8, 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: McAffee Cemetery (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Millstone from Joseph Well's Grist Mill (1870's - 1890's) (about 210 meters away); Island Life (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.); Strawberry Island (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.); Did You Ever Wonder What It Takes to Restore an Island? (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.); a different marker also named Strawberry Island (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.); Recovery (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.); Management (approx. 1.3 kilometers away in the U.S.). Touch for a list and map

Mackenzie's Crossing 1837 - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 18, 2025

2. Mackenzie's Crossing 1837 - Marker in context

Photo faces east. The marker is a plaque on a post, adjacent to a parking lot, but visible from the Niagara River Parkway (left) and the Trans Canada trail (distant right).

of all markers in Fort Erie.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.