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

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal 1861 - 1896

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal - Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 17, 2025

1. Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal - Marker

Inscription. The national hero of the Philippines visited the aweing magnificence of Niagara Falls and paused near this spot on May 12, 1888. Born on June 19, 1861, Rizal was a doctor, poet, writer, educator, linguist, and inventor. He authored the novels "Noli Me Tangere" (1887) and "El Filibusterismo" (1891) which laid bare colonial oppression of the Filipinos. He advocated non-violent struggle for freedom but was charged with inciting dissent.

The living soul of the 1896 Philippine revolution, he was executed on December 30, 1896. His martyrdom inspired a sense of nationhood that eventually led to the proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898.

Although he had to travel across the world to see it, Dr. Rizal could not resist the pull of Niagara Falls. Like so many others across the centuries, the entrancing, inspiring power of Niagara Falls would not be denied. Following in his footsteps, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have visited and even settled in Canada.

Erected 2025 by Niagara Parks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music •

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Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1888.

Location. 43° 5.321′ N, 79° 4.445′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is on Niagara River Parkway, on the right when traveling north. The monument is 30 metres east of the road, beside the Trans Canada walking/biking trail, across from the American falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls ON L2E 6X8, 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 Rizal (1861 - 1896) (here, next to this marker); To the Memory of Burrell Hecock (within shouting distance of this marker); Zimmerman Fountain Pond

Jose Rizal monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 17, 2025

2. Jose Rizal monument

The Ontario government (Niagara Parks) created this marker (top plaque). The Philippine government (National Historical Institute) created the lower plaque.

(about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Oakes Garden Theatre (about 180 meters away); Thomas Baker McQuesten (about 210 meters away); Sir Casimir S. Gzowski 1813-1898 (about 240 meters away); This Tablet Commemorates The Public Spirit And Generosity Of Sir Harry Oakes Bart (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Upper Steel Arch Bridge (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.

Also see . . . Jose Rizal biography - web page by Britannica. (Submitted on September 18, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario.)

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal 1861 - 1896 - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 17, 2025

3. Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal 1861 - 1896 - Marker in context

The monument is across from the north end of the American falls (left). Four ziplines angle across the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.