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

Major John Richardson

1796-1852

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

1. Major John Richardson Marker

Inscription. This pioneer historian, author and soldier was born in Queenston. His family moved to Amherstburg about 1802, and at the outbreak of the War of 1812 Richardson joined the British army. Retired on half pay in 1818 in London, England, he published the epic poem "Tecumseh" and the celebrated historical novel "Wacousta" which established his literary reputation. In 1838 Richardson returned to Upper Canada where he published two weekly newspapers, "The New Era" (1841-42) and "The Canadian Loyalist" (1843-44). His later works "Eight Years in Canada" and "The War of 1812" provide invaluable historical information. In 1848 he moved to New York City where he died in poverty.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.

Location. 43° 10.022′ N, 79° 3.354′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Queenston. It is on

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Queenston Street just south of Walnut Street, on the left when traveling south. This historical marker is located on the grounds of a public school in a residential neighborhood, on the southeast corner of Queenston and Walnut Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 89 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: Willowbank (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Willowbank (about 180 meters away); Major General Sir Isaac Brock K.B. (about 210 meters away); St. Saviour / The Brock Memorial Church (about 210 meters away); The Founding of Queenston (approx. 0.3

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

2. Major John Richardson Marker

View of the historical marker situated in the front yard of a Queenston public school.

kilometers away); The Queenston Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Home of Laura Ingersoll Secord (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Laura Secord (1775-1868) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

3. Major John Richardson Marker

View of historical marker from within the school yard, looking south along Queenston Street.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

4. Major John Richardson Marker

View of historical marker from outside of the school yard, looking south along Queenston Street.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

5. Major John Richardson Marker

View of historical marker from outside of the school yard, looking north along Queenston Street, towards the intersection with Walnut Street.

Major John Richardson - Marker In Context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025

6. Major John Richardson - Marker In Context

The marker is adjacent to the road, and also the fence surrounding the play-yard for a daycare.

Major John Richardson image. Click for full size.

Internet Archive

7. Major John Richardson

This portrait of Major John Richardson appeared in his 1902 book The War of 1812.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 892 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 5, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on July 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. 7. submitted on April 19, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.