Amherstburg in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada
Strategic Location
Strategic Location
A deepwater channel between here and Boblo Island brings ships close to shore, a fact dramatically illustrated when a north-bound lake freighter passes by. This was why Fort Amerstburg was originally located here - cannon on its walls would have no difficulty in hitting any ship sailing up or down the channel, allowing the fort to control this key waterway.
Two hundred years ago, all shipping had to pass within cannon shot of this fort. Today, southbound vessels pass on the other side of Boblo Island, using the dredged Livingstone channel.
Un emplacement stratégique
Le profound chenal de navigation qui se trouve entre ici et l'ile aux Bois Blancs (aujourd'hui connue sous le nom d'île Boblo) amène les navires à passer tout près de la rive, spectacle impressionnant lorsqu'un énorme navire de charge passe en direction nord. Voilà pourquoi on avait choisi cet emplacement pour y construire le fort Amherstburg : les canons aménagés sur ses flancs n'auraient eu aucune difficulté à frapper tout bateau naviguant en amont ou en aval du chenal, permettant au fort de maîtriser cette essentielle voie de navigation.
Il y a deux cents ans, tous les navires devaient passer à portée des canons de ce fort. Aujourd'hui,
les navires se dirigeant vers le sud passent de l'autre côté de l'île Boblo, se servant du chenal dragué Livingstone.
Erected by Parks Canada.
Location. 42° 6.374′ N, 83° 6.857′ W. Marker is in Amherstburg, Ontario, in Essex County. Marker can be reached from Laird Avenue South just south of Elm Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. 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). Marker is in this post office area: Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 1X5, Canada.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boblo Island (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.
Categories. • Forts, Castles • Waterways & Vessels •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on January 8, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 419 times since then and 7 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.