Built around 1820 by Adam Crysler, with a rear extension added in the 1830s or 1840s, the McDougal-Harrison House was once home to two influential Niagara residents. Daniel McDougal, a merchant, public servant and founding member of St. Vincent de Paul’s congregation, was its most notable occupant. The house remained in the McDougal family until 1921, when it was sold to William H. Harrison, who went on to serve three terms as mayor.

This Heritage Week, the McDougal-Harrison House is just one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s hundreds of heritage buildings that highlight the importance of preserving local history. Together, these buildings not only reflect the eras in which they were built, but they also serve as tangible links to our past, connecting us with the people, communities and events that shaped the town. They give Niagara-on-the-Lake its charm, are part of our tourism economy and are a big reason why the town is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in Canada.