On December 7, 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie's "Patriot" forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia and he fled toward the United States. Travelling little used routes in order to avoid government forces which were scouring the countryside, he reached this vicinity on December 11th. Capt. Samuel McAfee, who owned the property at the time, provided Mackenzie with a boat to cross the Niagara River. While the rebel leader was embarking, Col. William Kerby arrived with a detachment of militia, but the McAfee family distracted his attention until Mackenzie gained the safety of the American shore.

Location

Niagara River Parkway and Thompson Road, near the site of his crossing, about 6 km north of Fort Erie

Themes

• War and conflict