Chatham in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Chatham Blockhouse

— 1794 —

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

1. Chatham Blockhouse Marker

Inscription. On this site a blockhouse was constructed in 1794 by order of Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe. He planned to establish here a small naval arsenal which would form a link in the defences of Upper Canada's western frontier and also draw the Indian trade from Detroit. The post was garrisoned by a detachment of the Queen's Rangers, and two gunboats were built; but by 1797 it was abandoned. In 1798 the province's Administrator, Peter Russell, had the blockhouse moved to Sandwich to serve as the Western District's court-house and gaol.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.

Location. 42° 24.392′ N, 82° 11.024′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. It can be reached from the intersection of William Street North and Murray Street, on the left when traveling north. The historical marker is located in Chatham, upstream

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of the fork in the Thames River, in Tecumseh Park, just north of the 6th Street footbridge, situated along a park walkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 89 William Street North, Chatham ON N7M 4V1, 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: Tecumseh (here, next to this marker); Kent Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); The Forks (within shouting distance of this marker); Skirmish at the Forks (within shouting distance of this marker); British Encampment: Forks of the Thames (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Skirmish at the Forks (within shouting distance of this marker); Casualties of the Skirmish

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

2. Chatham Blockhouse Marker

View, looking west, of the historical marker in the right foreground, and of the walkway leading to the forks of the Thames River in the left/center background.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Armoury (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

3. Chatham Blockhouse Marker

View of the historical marker to the left of a marker featuring information regarding "Tecumseh."

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

4. Chatham Blockhouse Marker

View, looking south, of the historical marker, with a distant view of the 6th Street footbridge in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.