Amherstburg in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Boblo Island
Boblo Island
For many centuries the island you see in front of you was used for hunting and fishing by First Nations people. Called Île aux Bois Blancs by the French, Boblo Island's key location made it a site for blockhouses during the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion. In 1837 a lighthouse was erected on the southern end; about sixty years later the island became the site of a popular amusement park that lasted for nearly a century.
The Detroit ferry terminal (seen here around 1903) was a starting point for trips to Boblo Island on two vessels that carried passengers back and forth for over 80 years.
île aux Bois Blancs
Pendant des centaines années, les Premières nations se servaient de l'ile que vous apercevez devant vous pour y faire la chasse et la pêche. L'île aux Bois Blancs, maintenant mieux connue sous le nom anglais d'île Boblo (corruption de la prononciation française de << bois blancs >>), occupait un endroit stratégique et on y avait installé des fortins lors de la Guerre de 1812 et de la Rébellion du Haut-Canada. en 1837, un phare y fut construit à l'extrémité sud; environ soixante ans plus tard, on installa un parc d'attractions sur l'île qui conserva sa popularité pendant près de cent ans.
Le terminus du traversier de Detroit (tel qu'il apparaissait vers 1903), était le point de départ de trajets jusqu'à l'île aux Bois Blancs à bord de deux vaisseaux qui ont transporté des passagers aller et retour pendant plus de 80 ans.
Erected by Parks Canada.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 42° 6.372′ N, 83° 6.858′ W. Marker is in Amherstburg, Ontario, in Essex County. It can be reached from Laird Avenue South just south of Elm Avenue, on the right when traveling south. This historical marker is located in a cluster of two markers, situated a short distance north of the southern visitor entrance to the Fort Malden National Historic Site, very near the Detroit River, along the national park's river walkway (just west of the southwest bastion of the fort). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amherstburg ON N9V 1X5, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area and in Southwestern Ontario. 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: Strategic Location (here, next to this marker); Connection to Town (within shouting distance of this marker); The Site Over Time (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fort Defences
(about 90 meters away); Brick Officers’ Guard Room (about 90 meters away); Detroit River Heritage (about 180 meters away); Indian Council House (about 180 meters away); Shoreline Breakwall (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amherstburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 994 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 8, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.








