Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
First Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada
La Première Assemblée Législative Du Haut-Canada
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 19, 2019
1. First Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada Marker
The first session of the Legislative Assembly held at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) from 17 September to 15 October 1792, introduced a limited form of representative government to the newly created colony of Upper Canada. The elected assembly formed part of the first legislature under the administration of John Graves Simcoe, Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. Statutes of the first session established English property and civil law, and trial by jury. In 1797 the seat of government was moved to York (Toronto).
La première session de l'assemblée législative, tenue à Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) du 17 septembre au 15 octobre 1792, instaura une forme limitée de gouvernement représentatif dans la nouvelle colonie du Haut-Canada. Ce corps élu faisait partie du premier parlement constitué sous l'administration du lieutenant-gouverneur John Graves Simcoe. Les lois adoptées au cour de cette première session implantèrent le droit anglais pour les questions civiles et de biens, et le procès devant jury. En 1797, le siège du gouvernement fut déplacé à York (Toronto).
Erected by Historic
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1792.
Location. 43° 15.32′ N, 79° 4.198′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from King Street north of Picton St, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Simcoe Park, 30 metres south-east of King St, and 10 metres east of the John Graves Simcoe statue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 177 King St, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, 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
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 19, 2019
2. First Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 19, 2019
3. Marker in Simcoe Park
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
4. Marker in context
Photo faces east and north-east. Byron St (hidden) runs across behind the left. Simcoe statue faces King St. There are 4 little plaques around the Simcoe statue, in 4 cardinal directions. This marker (centre, under the reddish tree) is to the east. On the distant right, the north-south walking path runs diagonally across the park; then further are gravestones in the cemetery nearby.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2019, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on September 7, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2019, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on September 7, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
