Tony Chisholm
Special to The Lake Report
The site of Fort Mississauga, also known as Mississauga Point, was an important fishing ground, was the site of the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes, was part of the Battle of Fort George, and became an important military fortification called Fort Mississauga. Construction of Fort Mississauga began in the spring of 1814 and was built in part by the Coloured Corps who had been attached to the Royal Engineers in late 1813.
The Coloured or Black Corps was raised at the outbreak of war, in the defense of Upper Canada. It was made up of freed and enslaved Black men. They were active in the British defense at the Battle of Queenston Heights and fought alongside their British counterparts at the Battle of Fort George in May 1813.
In the spring of 1814, the company was ordered to construct a new fort on the Canadian shore, dubbed Fort Mississauga. With the American navy now controlling Lake Ontario this work was crucial to the security of British forces in the Niagara Peninsula. The Coloured Corps continued working with the Royal Engineers until 1815, when they were disbanded.
Today, Fort Mississauga stands on the shores of the Niagara River, highlighting the early military history of Niagara. It is the only remaining example of a square tower within a star-shaped earthwork left in Canada.
And now, Fort Mississauga National Historic Site will be open on weekends from May 16 to June 28, from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Join Friends of Fort George staff on-site and explore this historic gem with us.
Our interpreters will be on-site within the grounds of Fort Mississauga with replica artifacts, children’s activities, and a small gift shop display. Join us and learn about the history of the site, access the interior of the tower, and take part in our historic tours. Our in-depth tours will take place at 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; and 3 p.m., each day, and will include a visit to the Sally Port with our staff.
Visiting the site is free of charge, but accessing the interior of the site, or going on a tour costs $5/person.
We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore Niagara’s early history.
For more information, contact the Friends of Fort George at 905-468-6621 or email admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca. All proceeds from this initiative will help to support student employment opportunities at Fort George and Brock’s Monument.
The Friends of Fort George is a non-profit, charitable organization that works with Parks Canada for the protection, preservation, interpretation of Niagara’s National Historic Sites. For more information or to become a member, visit our website at friendsoffortgeorge.ca.
