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

The Forks

— Tecumseh Parkway —

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

1. The Forks Marker

View, looking west, of the English text side of the historical marker, with a distant view of "The Forks" of the Thames River in the background.

Inscription. The Forks of the Thames are formed by the joining of the Thames River and McGregor Creek creating a peninsula that is present day Tecumseh Park in Chatham, Ontario. The strategic importance of the site was recognized by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe when he visited the region in 1793.

The first settlement at the Forks occurred in 1794 when Simcoe commissioned Captain William Baker to establish a shipyard. Baker constructed a log blockhouse, a 72 foot-long frame workshop, forges, saw pits, and buildings to accommodate him and his workmen. The logistics of establishing a shipyard in the wilderness, however, put the construction of the vessels behind schedule and substantially over budget. Baker was recalled and the shipyard was abandoned after four gunboats had been completed. It is possible that two of these were the gunboats in Procter's flotilla. By 1813, all that remained on this site was a log cabin (probably Baker's residence).

Erected by Tecumseh Parkway.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.

Location. 42° 24.399′ N, 82° 11.065′ W. Marker is in Chatham,

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Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. Marker can be reached from William Street North just west of Murray Street, on the left when traveling north. The historical marker is located in Chatham, at the point of "The Forks" of the Thames River, in Tecumseh Park, 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Skirmish at the Forks (here, next to this marker); British Encampment: Forks of the Thames (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Skirmish at the Forks (here, next to this marker); Casualties of the Skirmish (here, next to this marker); Tecumseh (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Armoury (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Kent County Court House (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

2. The Forks Marker

View, looking east, of the French text side of the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

3. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of the portrait of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

4. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of an early 19th century gunboat, similar to the type built at this site, that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

5. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of an early 19th century gunboat, along with the caption, that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

6. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of Simcoe's plan for the blockhouse built on this site, that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

7. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of the plan for the blockhouse built on this site, including the caption, that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

8. The Forks Marker

Close-up view of the English text that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

9. The Forks Marker

View of the park walkway that leads to "The Forks" of the Thames River, where several Tecumseh Parkway historical markers are located.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

10. The Forks Marker

View of the "The Forks" of the Thames River, where several Tecumseh Parkway historical markers are located.

View of The Forks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

11. View of The Forks

View of the cannon situated at "The Forks" of the Thames River.

Tecumseh Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

12. Tecumseh Park Sign

View, looking north on William Street North, of the sign for Tecumseh Park, where the historical marker is located, and a distant view of the Tecumseh Parkway sign used to alert motorists of the presence of these historical markers.

The Forks of the Thames Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

13. The Forks of the Thames Sign

View, looking north on William Street North, of the Tecumseh Parkway sign used to alert motorists of the presence of these historical markers in Tecumseh Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 628 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 18, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on January 19, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.