visitwindsoressex.com/wine
Dancing Swallows Vineyard
HISTORY
Courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection
When the British established a military post on the Detroit River across from Bois Blanc Island in 1796, a town was laid out south of the fort to service the garrison. Amherstburg, as we know it today, quickly grew, becoming a major port. The fort at Amherstburg, later called Fort Malden, played an important role in the War of 1812, and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838. By 1859, Fort Malden ceased to exist as a military post and Amherstburg moved on from this phase of its history.
Today, Amherstburg includes the former townships of Anderdon to the north and Malden to the south. These lands were first travelled and inhabited by the Indigenous Peoples of the area. Settlers came from far and wide, in several waves of immigration that shaped the community over time. As a terminus of the Underground Railroad, Amherstburg became home to many Freedom Seekers escaping slavery in the United States.
With advancements in transportation and communication, the town became wellconnected to nearby communities and the rest of the world. Several industries thrived here, largely due to the town’s proximity to an important waterway and the international border. Rumrunners took advantage of this convenience during prohibition. For years, Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park was a major tourism draw, attracting visitors to the area. Though difficult to capture in a few short paragraphs, the town’s rich history continues to be preserved in the historic sites, buildings, museums and archives that exist in Amherstburg today.
OVERVIEW
• Bois Blanc, commonly known as Boblo Island, is on the Canadian side of the Detroit River. It means “white woods” in French.
• The island is located at the mouth of the Detroit River and measures 4km long and 0.8km wide.
• Bois Blanc is now a private residential community with its own ferry service.
• Bois Blanc played an important role in the Underground Railroad, becoming a rest stop for many people who came to Canada.
• The Blockhouse, built in 1839 as part of the Fort Malden defenses, is a national historic site.
WILDWOOD
• The Bois Blanc Lighthouse was built in 1863 and has been designated a heritage lighthouse by Parks Canada. It is a national historic site because it was part of a brief occupation during the Rebellion of 1837-38.
• The Boblo Island Amusement Park opened in 1898 and closed in 1993.
got what you’re looking for.
Bois Blanc Blockhouse and Lighthouse
JULY
Canada Day & Canada Day Run
A day filled with family fun including fireworks.
July 1 Kids Dash 9 a.m., Run 9:30 a.m.
Fort Malden Historic Site & Toddy Jones Park visitamherstburg.ca
Mind, Body & Soul Festival
Combining several recreation groups
July 19-20
Libro Centre • www.visitamherstburg.ca
Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy
Featuring classic cars of all shapes and sizes.
July 28
Downtown Amherstburg amherstburgsgonecarcrazyshow.com
AUGUST
Living History Day
Wander through the historic encampments, learn to march like a soldier and become a Fort Malden explorer!
August 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
www.pc.gc.ca/malden
Murder Mystery at Malden
A classic “who done it?” with a historical twist
August 10 6-8 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site www.pc.gc.ca/malden
Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show
August 9-11 Friday 12-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Co-An Park, McGregor essexcountysteamandgasengine.com
Art By The River
Artists and artisans on the shores of the Detroit River.
August 24 & 25 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site gibsonartgallery.com
Steam & Gas Show parade
Canada Day activities
Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy
Art By The River
Garrison Days
Murder Mystery at Malden
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
amherstburgfreedom.org
277 King Street
Telling the stories of Amherstburg’s role in the Underground Railroad and African-Canadians’ journey and contributions to Canada and the region.
Belle Vue National Historic Site
bellevueconservancy.com
525 Dalhousie Street
Designated as a national historic site in 1959, this Palladian style home was built between 1816 and 1819. It was home to Robert Reynolds, who served as the Deputy Assistant Commissary General at Fort Malden, and his sisters, artists Margaret and Catherine Reynolds. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations and, as a result, can only be viewed from the road.
Christ Church and Cemetery
317 Ramsay Street
Considered the oldest church in Essex County and one of the oldest churches in Ontario. Construction began on the church in 1818 on land donated by Col.William Caldwell, while the cemetery is believed to date back as far as 1799.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Belle Vue National Historic Site
Christ Church
Fort Malden National
Historic Site
parkscanada.ca/malden
100 Laird Avenue South
An authentic 19th century experience can be found at this historic site that played a significant role during the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1838. Tour the fort, experience a musket blast and enjoy the picturesque view of the Detroit River.
GAHS Murals
Nine large murals, each depicting a story or life in the 1800s, can be found on the back of the former General Amherst High School building.The high school is located at 130 Sandwich Street, however the murals are best viewed from Laird Avenue South near Fort Malden Drive.The murals were originally painted in 1964-1967 and restored in 2012 as part of the Bi-Centennial.
Gibson Gallery
gibsonartgallery.com
140 Richmond Street
Located inside Amherstburg’s historic former Mihcigan Central Railroad Station, Gibson Gallery features an art gallery, artisan shoppe and railroad museum.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
General Amherst Murals
Gibson Gallery
The Gordon House & Visitor Centre
268 Dalhousie Street
The historic Gordon House dates back to 1798 and currently serves as a visitor centre and gift shop.
King’s Navy Yard Park
242 Dalhousie Street
This 10.5 acre park overlooking the Detroit River was once home to the Provincial Marine shipyard.Today, it features spectacular landscaping and stunning flowers surrounding the historic monuments and plaques commemorating the history that has taken place here.You will find the popular Rhododendron and Azalea Gardens, the Signature Hosta Garden, the Commissariat Building and the International Peace Sculpture. It was designated as a Bi-Centennial International Peace Garden and is home to the annual River Lights Festival.
The Gordon House & Visitor Centre
King’s Navy Yard Park
Marsh Historical Collection marshcollection.org
80 Richmond Street
A local history and genealogy centre that houses an extensive collection of photos, books, genealogy and land records.The Marsh Historical Collection mandate is “to collect, preserve and encourage research into the heritage of Amherstburg and the lower Detroit River district.”
Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour
Starting at the Gordon House
268 Dalhousie Street
Download the free On-Foot app from your phone’s App Store and explore more than 15 locations that feature ghostly stories combined with audio narration, illustrations and augmented reality ghosts.
Park House Museum parkhousemuseum.com
214 Dalhousie Street
A collection of artifacts and documents that bring to life the story of Amherstburg and its rich history. Daily tours, hands-on activities, special events and gift shop.
Marsh Historical Collection
Park House Museum
Holiday Beach
essexregionconservation.ca
6952 County Road 50
Enjoy a day at the beach,have a picnic and explore the nature trails,boardwalk and observation tower. Holiday Beach Conservation Area hosts the Festival of Hawks each September and has been recognized internationally as an Important BirdArea (IBA).
K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park
1500 Front Road North
A sprawling green space adjascent to the marina that includes access to the water and playground equipment.
Libro Credit Union Centre
3295 Meloche Road
This state-of-the-art recreation complex is home to many sports teams and leagues.Indoor facilities include two NHL ice pads,turf soccer/football field,walking track and meeting/banquet facilities. Outdoor facilities include baseball diamonds, Miracle League diamond,grass soccer fields,and CFL and FIFA size turf soccer/ football field.
North Gateway Garden
116 Sandwich
Street North
Located at the Waterfront Tourism Information Centre,enjoy the lovely flowers along with a stunning view of the Detroit River.
South Gateway Garden
Sandwich Street South and Lowes Side Road
Enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscaping surrounding the waterfall and pond.An ideal spot to view geese, ducks and turtles.
Holiday Beach
K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park
Libro Credit Union Centre
North Gateway Garden
South Gateway Garden
