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

Sir Casimir S. Gzowski 1813-1898

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, June 8, 2023

1. Sir Casimir S. Gzowski 1813-1898 Marker

Inscription.
First chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission (1885-93) Gzowski was born in Russia of Polish parents. Forced to emigrate, following participation in the Polish Rising of 1830, he came to Canada in 1841. An exceptionally able engineer, he first served as a government construction superintendent. He later organized a company which built the Grand Trunk Railway from Toronto to Sarnia, 1853-7, and the International Bridge across the Niagara River at Fort Erie in 1873. He was a founder of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers in 1887. A colonel in the Canadian militia, he was appointed Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Queen in 1879 and knighted in 1890. Gzowski served as Administrator of Ontario 1896-97.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 43° 5.203′ N, 79° 4.521′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from Niagara River Parkway 0.2 kilometers north

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of Murray Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is 50 metres east of the road, adjacent to the Trans Canada biking/walking trail, in front of a flower garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6075 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls ON L2G 3N4, 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: Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal 1861 - 1896 (about 240 meters away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Jose Rizal (1861 - 1896) (about 240 meters away); To the Memory of Burrell Hecock (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Zimmerman Fountain Pond (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Louis Hennepin 1626 - c. 1705 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Niagara Parks 1888 - 2013 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Oakes Garden Theatre (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Thomas Baker McQuesten (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.

More about this marker. The marker is located directly opposite the American Falls.

Also see . . . Sir Casimir S. Gzowski. The Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online's extended treatment of Gzowski: ...Gzowski died on 24 Aug. 1898 after a three-month illness. The Toronto World paid him perhaps the most poetic tribute: "Yesterday morning, just as the terrific thunderstorm had subsided and the morning sun was peeping over the eastern horizon, the spirit
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 21, 2010

2. Sir Casimir S. Gzowski Marker - east-facing side
of one of Toronto’s most illustrious citizens took flight.” Under glowing headlines the newspapers recounted the saga of his fascinating life. Seen in retrospect, Sir Casimir was above all else a romantic exile who learned his trade in the United States but dedicated himself to building Canada and defending the empire, for which wealth and royal honours were justly merited. As a public figure he was also much loved, as the Globe observed of his passing: “By his death Toronto loses one who for nearly sixty years had occupied a foremost place in the social and industrial life of the community. A man of commanding appearance and dignified bearing, his figure was a familiar one to the people of this city, and one which never passed unnoticed. To those who knew him socially the rare amiability of his character, the charm of his manner, his broad culture and generous hospitality endeared him in an unusual degree.” (Submitted on October 21, 2010.)

Sir Casimir S. Gzowski Marker - west-facing side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 21, 2010

3. Sir Casimir S. Gzowski Marker - west-facing side

The text is the same on both sides of the marker.

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, June 1, 2015

4. Sir Casimir S. Gzowski 1813-1898 Marker

Sir Casimir S. Gzowski Marker - wide view looking west image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 21, 2010

5. Sir Casimir S. Gzowski Marker - wide view looking west

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,227 times since then and 53 times this year. Last updated on September 6, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on May 17, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 5. submitted on October 21, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.