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

The Founding of Queenston

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

1. The Founding of Queenston Marker

Inscription. Following the loss, after the American Revolution of the Niagara River's east bank, a new portage around Niagara Falls was established in the 1780s' with Queenston its northern terminous. Wharves, storehouses and a block-house were built. Robert Hamilton, a prominent merchant considered the village's founder, operated a thriving trans-shipment business. Known as the "Lower Landing" it was named "Queenston" by Lieut.-Governor Simcoe. During the war of 1812 the village was badly damaged. Here lived such well-known figures as Laura Secord and William Lyon MacKenzie. Despite loss of commerce following the opening of the Welland Canal in 1829, Queenston later served as a terminous for the province's first horse-drawn railway. Queenston was incorporated into the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1970.

Erected by the the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the The Welland Canals series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 43° 9.884′ N,

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79° 3.278′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Queenston. It is on Queenston Street just south of Dumfries Street, on the left when traveling south. This historical marker is situated on the Canadian side of the Niagara River in a residential area located at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, in the front yard of the property that belongs to the Queenston Library and Community Center (the former Queenston Baptist Church). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 38 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,

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: The Queenston Baptist Church (a few steps from

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

2. The Founding of Queenston Marker

View of the historical marker in the left foreground with a view of the Queenston Library and Community Center (the former Queenston Baptist Church) in the right background.

this marker); Home of Laura Ingersoll Secord (within shouting distance of this marker); Brock Dead House (within shouting distance of this marker); Laura Secord (1775-1868) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Laura Ingersoll Secord 1775-1868 (about 90 meters away); Queenston United Church of Canada (about 150 meters away); Major General Sir Isaac Brock K.B. (about 150 meters away); St. Saviour / The Brock Memorial Church (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

3. The Founding of Queenston Marker

Another, more distant view, as seen from the far side of Queenston Street, of the historical marker on the right side of the picture with a view of Queenston Library and Community Center (the former Queenston Baptist Church) in the background.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

4. The Founding of Queenston Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 728 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario.