Crossroads Historical Guide
Expiration: Aug 20th 2025
Sign up for Crossroads Historical Guide and take a step back in time. Connect the present to the past and discover Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s story. Immerse yourself in places, people and time. Get moving by car, bike or foot to experience over 50 sites, stories and historic moments that shaped what and who we are today. Sign up for the digital guide and meet the heroic leaders, rum-running gangsters and trailblazing innovators that make up our vibrant history. Each location in the guide will offer interesting facts, links to more information, things to see and do, as well as videos to relive a moment in time. From the War of 1812, to the Underground Railroad, and Prohibition: This is our story.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge was completed and opened in 1929. It is the longest international suspension bridge in the world, spanning 564 metres. Today, the Ambassador Bridge is the busiest international border crossing in North America in trade volume, seeing ¼ of commercial trade between Canada and the United States. In the distance, you may be able to see the towers of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will exceed the Ambassador Bridge in size and length when completed.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Museum Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Museum Windsor
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Presenting exhibits that share stories of the Underground Railroad and the solidarity it took to make this network possible. This site includes a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Nazrey A.M.E. Church & the Taylor Log Cabin, home of a Freedom Seeker.
Information from: Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Information from: Amherstburg Freedom Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Benoit House
Vital Benoit, the first mayor of LaSalle and owner of Hofer Brewery, ‘exported’ alcohol to the United States and through Canada during the Prohibition Era. Benoit had major economic successes and helped to create a vibrant community. The Brewery and Benoit’s original 1920s house on LaSalle’s small coast waterfront still stands today.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Town of LaSalle
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Town of LaSalle
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
Canadian Aviation Museum
Home to Windsor's own Lancaster Bomber and Mosquito Bomber, the Canadian Aviation Museum is located at the Windsor Airport. The Museum occupies the original hangar of #7 Elementary Flying Training School built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Guided tours of the museum and archives are available.
Images courtesy of: Canadian Aviation Museum & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Canadian Aviation Museum
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Images courtesy of: Canadian Aviation Museum & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Canadian Aviation Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village
Situated on a 100 acre site housing one of the largest transportation museums in Ontario, the museum hosts a fine collection of original, fully-restored vehicles from the 19th and 20th centuries, from horse drawn wagons to a Dodge Viper. Be sure to visit the heritage village, with 20 buildings from Windsor-Essex ranging from the 1700s-1920s and the only Ambulance museum in Canada.
Information from: Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village
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Information from: Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Capitol Theatre Windsor
In the heart of Downtown Windsor, the Capitol Theatre offers a three-in-one venue, joined together by a classic lobby and bar area. Since December 30, 1920, it has been a place for Windsor to enjoy film, dance, literature, music, drama and more.
Originally one of Loew’s Family Theatres, the Capitol was part of a chain of Vaudeville-Cinema houses built across North America under entertainment entrepreneur, Marcus Loew. Designed by Thomas Lamb, the original theatre was the largest single floor theatre built at the time, and seated 1995 people.
In the 1970s, the building ‘triplexed’ the theatre into the 3 spaces that currently exist. Today, the building is owned by the City of Windsor and is managed by its anchor tenant, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
Information and Images Courtesy of: The Capitol Theatre and Windsor Symphony Orchestra
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What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Coach House Historical Exhibit at Willistead Manor
Originally housing horses and carriages, the Coach House in Willistead Park now holds an exhibit telling the story of Hiram Walker, the Walker Family & Legacy, Edward & Mary Walker, construction of Willistead Manor & more. Guests can catch the documentary Walkerville’s 'Willistead Manor: The Home That Shaped A Community'.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Colchester Schoolhouse
A one-room brick schoolhouse built in 1881 functioned as a central educational and community space for the village of Colchester and the broader rural area until it closed in 1965. The Schoolhouse is representative of the region’s unique social history as a racially integrated school, in contrast to nearby segregated schools. It was built in a Victorian vernacular architectural style, comparable to other one-room schoolhouses patterned from the 1866 Canada Farmer stylized building plans. The schoolhouse is now used by Heritage Colchester, a historical organization focused on preserving Colchester’s past.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Heritage Colchester
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Heritage Colchester
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Cooper Court Hotel
Cooper Court was the home of philanthropist bootlegger James Scott Cooper (1874 – 1931), one of the wealthiest liquor barons in Canada during the Prohibition Era. Mr. Cooper's generosity and community mindedness helped to build the communities of Belle River & surrounding areas.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Detroit River: A Canadian Heritage River
In 2001, the Detroit River became the first river to receive both Canadian and American heritage river status.
Situated in the heart of the Great Lakes Basin, the Detroit River connects Lake St. Clair with Lake Erie. Archaeological finds date First Nations settlements along The River as early as 400 A.D., with French settlers arriving in the mid 1600s. This river was the site of major battles, the first permanent agricultural community in Ontario, and was a terminus of the Underground Railroad.
The Detroit River is currently the busiest international waterway in North America. As a key transportation route, it allowed for the development of community and industry on both sides of the border. The Detroit River is a prime boating, fishing, and birding location, and is the only major Canadian river and watershed that lies completely in the Carolinian ecological zone.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor, Windsor Public Library
Information from: Canadian Heritage Rivers System
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor, Windsor Public Library
Information from: Canadian Heritage Rivers System
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
Since 1930, the historic Detroit-Windsor Tunnel has been one of the busiest international border crossings, connecting downtown Windsor, Ontario, Canada and downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA. Approximately 12,000 vehicles pass through the 1.5km tunnel daily with over 4 million crossing per year! The tunnel is still recognized as one of the great engineering wonders of the world.
Images Courtesy of: Windsor Public Library
Information from: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
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Images Courtesy of: Windsor Public Library
Information from: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Essex Steam & Gas Engine Museum
This museum houses 19th century and early 20th century gas and steam powered engines and tractors. Open for tours May through Sept, it strives to educate the public about the heritage of gas and steam engines in Canada.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Essex Steam and Gas Engine Museum
Images & Information Courtesy of: Essex Steam and Gas Engine Museum
What's Included
- Insider Tip
Ford City
Experience the history of Ford City through Windsor's largest collection of murals. Ford City developed out of a French parish, Notre Dame du Lac, founded in 1884 on land donated by Francois Drouillard. Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company in Windsor in 1904, and this area quickly became a boomtown that flourished throughout WWII. In autumn of 1945, a major strike stilled the auto plant in what has become the legendary '99 Days.’ The resulting agreement set the tone for future development of trade unions and the role of management. For more information, visit the Ford City Walking Tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library Information From: Ford City Walking Tour
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library Information From: Ford City Walking Tour
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Fort Malden stood guard during the War of 1812, a time when the threat of American invasion was very real. Here, Major General Isaac Brock met with Shawnee War Chief Tecumseh to launch a successful attack on Detroit, leading to the surrender of the entire territory of Michigan. The Americans took over the Fort for almost two years after the British abandoned it following their defeat at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838 saw troops return to the Fort to defend against attacks by rebels and their American sympathizers. The Fort offers a view of Canada’s early military history.
Pensioners Cottages: In 1851, eighty-two Enrolled Army Pensioners and their families were brought to Amherstburg to serve as a military presence and maintain the Fort. Families were given property on the Military Reserve, and a small cottage was erected on each property. The cottages consisted of a combined living room/kitchen with a stove for heating and cooking and one or two small bedrooms.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Fort Malden National Historic Site & Marsh Historical Collection
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Pensioners Cottages: In 1851, eighty-two Enrolled Army Pensioners and their families were brought to Amherstburg to serve as a military presence and maintain the Fort. Families were given property on the Military Reserve, and a small cottage was erected on each property. The cottages consisted of a combined living room/kitchen with a stove for heating and cooking and one or two small bedrooms.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Fort Malden National Historic Site & Marsh Historical Collection
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Gibson Gallery
The Gibson Gallery is a former Michigan Central Railroad Station, ca. 1896. In Romanesque style it features high ceilings, hardwood floors and beveled glass windows. This heritage building now showcases Essex County artists, travelling exhibits from Ontario museums and galleries and an Artisan Shoppe. A railroad museum, featuring artifacts and memorabilia, is housed in the attached caboose.
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Historical Walkerville Brewery
Walkerville Brewery is a place of heritage, community and of course – great hand crafted beer. The history begins with Hiram Walker; a man better known as the founder of Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd, the manufacturers of the world famous Canadian Club whisky. Mr. Walker was also a beer man and opened the original Walkerville Brewery in 1890. He told the people that he would provide an ‘Honest Beer’, crafted from only the finest ingredients. Over 120 years later, the beer is still produced here with the same values.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Walkerville Brewery
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Walkerville Brewery
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Jesuit Sculpture
This monument dedicates the site where the Jesuits held the first mass in Belle River, Ontario in 1834. Erected June 24, 1951. Please respect private property.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum
This log cabin was built in 1846 by escaped slave John Freeman Walls and his wife Jane King Walls, who rest in the cemetery on the property. The cabin served as a terminal for the Underground Railroad. Meet descendants of the Underground Railroad as guides on an interactive trip back in time.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Anna Walls and the John Freeman Walls Historic Site
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Anna Walls and the John Freeman Walls Historic Site
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
John R Park Homestead
Take a trip back in time at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, the restored 1850s estate of John and Amelia Park. See the workings of a steam engine-powered sawmill, stop by the blacksmith shop, and be sure to visit the smoke house, ice house and barn. Take some time for a scenic walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a seasonal hands-on experience to learn about pioneer life. In the spring and summer, you can visit our garden planted with heirloom crops, flowers and vegetables. The house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park are restored to bring the nineteenth century to life. Stop in at the visitors centre for some information on things to do in the area.
Information from of: John R. Park Homestead
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What's Included
- Insider Tip
Kingsville Military Museum
This Military Museum features the early history of Kingsville and Veterans who served in the Boer War, WWI, WWII and Afghanistan. Come and see the many unique artifacts that are on display.
Images & Information from: Kingsville Military Museum
Images & Information from: Kingsville Military Museum
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
King’s Navy Yard Park National Historic Site
This 10.5-acre park mirrors the British Navy Yard from 1796, where Provincial War Ships that fought in the War of 1812 were constructed. In September 1813, the British set fire to the site to prevent American forces from obtaining the dockyard. Today, King's Navy Yard Park is known for its award-winning gardens.
Information from: Town of Amherstburg & Marsh Historical Collection
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Information from: Town of Amherstburg & Marsh Historical Collection
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre
Mackenzie Hall was built in 1855-1856 by Alexander Mackenzie, who became the second Prime Minister of Canada in 1873. The Hall served as the County Court House until 1963. Originally a courthouse and jail, the building was burned down during the War of 1812. It was rebuilt, and now Mackenzie Hall is a cultural centre offering performing arts space, galleries and meeting rooms. For more information, visit the Sandwich Walking Tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
This community museum houses a unique collection of artifacts pertaining to WWI & II, Rum Running, War of 1812 and Victorian Clothing. There is a large Heritage Native Garden with over 50 plant species, some of which are rare to the area.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
Images & Information Courtesy of: Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Marble Village: The Lost Settlement
Marble Village was a settlement established in the 1800's by a white Anderdon resident, Rowland Windfield, who was opposed to slavery. The settlement was inhabited by freedom seekers, who were encouraged to settle there. Many worked as farmers, but a significant number also worked at the local stone quarries or sawmill. This was the approximate site of the school, which was in operation until 1917. Please respect private property.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Amherstburg Freedom Museum
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What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Mary Ann Shadd Cary Statue
This statue honours the legacy of the pioneering abolitionist, teacher, and author Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Arriving in what is now Windsor in 1851, she was a prominent activist in Underground Railroad communities. In 1853, Shadd Cary was the first Black woman in North America to establish a newspaper, which encouraged self-reliance as the true road to independence.
Images Courtesy of: Christopher Lawrence Menard
Information from: University of Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Christopher Lawrence Menard
Information from: University of Windsor
What's Included
- Fun Fact
McDougall Street Corridor
This historic neighbourhood emerged during the mid-nineteenth century as African American freedom seekers and free people of colour crossed the Detroit River in search of refuge from enslavement and oppression. After the conclusion of the American Civil War brought the Underground Railroad era to an end, Windsor’s Black population continued to increase as families and individuals of African descent from rural areas of Southwestern Ontario moved into the Corridor to seek employment. For more information, visit the
McDougall Corridor Tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: McDougal Street Corridor Tour
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: McDougal Street Corridor Tour
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Mettawas Train Station & Hotel
Hiram Walker extended his presence throughout Essex County by creating a mammoth summer hotel that drew in both Detroiters and locals. Detroit architects Mason and Rice were commissioned to design the building, and the project was completed by April 1889.
While the hotel is no longer standing, the train station built by Hiram Walker remains. Today you will find Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Museum Windsor - Chimczuk Museum
Windsor’s premier museum featuring permanent, travelling & temporary exhibitions, the Original Peoples Culture & Legacy exhibit, a state-of-the-art Children’s Gallery, and a gift shop with local wares. Visit us online for info on current exhibits.
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Museum Windsor - Duff-Baby House
Built in 1798 for Scottish fur trader Alexander Duff, the Duff-Baby House tells the story of Canada’s early history in microcosm. The House’s orientation towards the river recalls early fur trade, transportation routes and settlement patterns. During the War of 1812, Shawnee Leader Tecumseh met with British allies in the Dining Room of this stately Georgian house; later General William Henry Harrison [later President Harrison] made it the American headquarters in the latter part of the war. In the early 1830s, the house served as refuge for a man who had escaped slavery from Kentucky. For three quarters of the 20th century, it served as a private residence for Dr. Beasley, who was Sandwich’s Town Physician. In 1979, the house was sold to the Ontario Heritage Trust. For more info, events and open times, see the Facebook page, Les Amis Duff-Baby.
Information Courtesy of: Les Amis Duff-Baby & Museum Windsor
Information from: Les Amis Duff-Baby
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Information Courtesy of: Les Amis Duff-Baby & Museum Windsor
Information from: Les Amis Duff-Baby
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Museum Windsor - François Baby House
The François Baby House is an historic residence that was owned by the prominent local politician François Baby. This French-Canadian house was built on a ribbon farm, and has historical ties to the War of 1812 where it was used as a headquarters by both the American and British forces. Today, it is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and features permanent galleries on Windsor’s French Roots, War of 1812, Battle of Windsor, and a historic firearms collection.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Museum Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Museum Windsor
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
New California
Trinity United Church, a local landmark since 1906, is a reminder of this farming community named for the California Gold Rush of the mid 1800s. Two Methodist Churches and a schoolhouse were at the heart of this community noted for its rich farmland where corn, wheat, hay and oats were grown. Families associated with this community still live in the area and are proud members of this congregation.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
New Canaan Cemetery
New Canaan was southeast of the Town of McGregor near County Road 15 and 12. The settlement began around the 1820s with numerous individuals coming from the U.S. escaping slavery via the Underground Railway and resettling in the new “Black [sic] Settlement” of New Canaan named after Abraham’s Promised Land in the Bible. The American Missionary Association School was also located in New Canaan before closing in 1859. Today, this area is comprised of farmland. Access to this cemetery from County Road 12 is via a 22-foot right-of-way.
Images Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
Information from: -Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
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Images Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
Information from: -Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
Olinda
Olinda was a village built on the prosperity that came from the discovery of bog ore in 1826. By the 1840s, the bog ore was over-mined, jobs were unavailable, and the village languished. Considered today as part of the community of Ruthven in the Town of Kingsville, please respect private property when you visit.
Images Courtesy of Windsor Public Library & Museum Windsor
Information from: Windsor Public Library Considered today as part of the community of Ruthven in the Town of Kingsville,
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Images Courtesy of Windsor Public Library & Museum Windsor
Information from: Windsor Public Library Considered today as part of the community of Ruthven in the Town of Kingsville,
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Park House Museum
Historically, the Park House is an early example of Pièce sur Pièce log construction and is said to have been built in the 1790s - making it the oldest building in the area. Today, the Park House Museum offers curriculum-based field trips and general tours, and hosts a variety of hands-on activities, tin workshops, exhibits, events, gift shop, teas, and ghost tours.
Information from: Park House Museum
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Information from: Park House Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Paterson Park
Paterson Park is home to a set of murals honouring Black historical figures, including Henry Bibb and Abraham Shadd.
What's Included
- Fun Fact
Pelee Island Heritage Centre
The museum houses a superb collection of island treasures. Focusing on Pelee Island’s human and natural history, exhibits include our geology, early Paleo-Indian culture, crossing the ice, wine history, shipwrecks, and much more.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Pelee Island Heritage Centre
Images & Information Courtesy of: Pelee Island Heritage Centre
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Pelee Island Winery Pavilion
Known as the ‘birthplace of winemaking in Canada', Pelee Island was home to the region’s first winery, Vin Villa, in 1862, followed by the original Pelee Island Winery, and the Finlay Winery. At the time, all grapes on the Island were processed at the J.S. Hamilton Wine House.
Today, Pelee Island Winery is the oldest commercial winery in the region with locations on the island and on the mainland in Kingsville. Pelee Island has a prime agricultural landscape and long season for grape growing. The winery boasts 700 acres of farmland, sustainable growing practices, and continues to be a favourite of connoisseurs around the world.
Images Courtesy of: Pelee Island Heritage Centre
Information From: Pelee Island Winery and Pelee Island Heritage Centre
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Today, Pelee Island Winery is the oldest commercial winery in the region with locations on the island and on the mainland in Kingsville. Pelee Island has a prime agricultural landscape and long season for grape growing. The winery boasts 700 acres of farmland, sustainable growing practices, and continues to be a favourite of connoisseurs around the world.
Images Courtesy of: Pelee Island Heritage Centre
Information From: Pelee Island Winery and Pelee Island Heritage Centre
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
Petite Cote
In 1701, Lord Cadillac and his soldiers planted the fleur-de-lis north of the river, declared the territory for France, and built Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit (Detroit). The area known as Petite Côte or ‘Little Coast’ (present day LaSalle), is one of the oldest farming communities in Ontario. In 1749, the land was divided into narrow, undeveloped ribbon farms and granted to French families. Today, enjoy the boardwalk and viewing tower at this conservation area.
Map Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Town of LaSalle
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Map Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Town of LaSalle
What's Included
- Insider Tip
Point Pelee National Park: The History
Point Pelee National Park is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Miami peoples. Archeological evidence indicates that First Nations had summertime settlements around Point Pelee’s marsh as early as 600 CE. The marsh’s aquatic life and wild rice provided them with food, as did the deer in the forest and the nuts from the black walnut and butternut trees. Founded in 1918, Point Pelee National Park allows visitors to explore the southernmost point of mainland Canada. Enjoy walking and cycling trails, paddling, birding, swimming and more.
DeLaurier House illustrates the life and times of a small French-Canadian community outside Québec. In the late 1800s, the marshland was reclaimed, which led to Point Pelee becoming one of Canada’s finest agricultural areas.
Images Courtesy of: Point Pelee National Park & Museum Windsor
Information From: Point Pelee National Park
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DeLaurier House illustrates the life and times of a small French-Canadian community outside Québec. In the late 1800s, the marshland was reclaimed, which led to Point Pelee becoming one of Canada’s finest agricultural areas.
Images Courtesy of: Point Pelee National Park & Museum Windsor
Information From: Point Pelee National Park
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Prosperity Place
Prosperity Place, by the Windsor Port Authority, shows the history of the port through plaques, murals and sculpture. Storyboards depict trade and commerce along the river and sculptures tell of early Indigenous presence and freighter history.
Information From: Windsor Port Authority
Information From: Windsor Port Authority
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
Puce River Black Community Cemetery
The Refugee Home Society is largely responsible for the existence of the Puce River Black Community. Henry and Mary Bibb led this abolitionist organization that helped meet the needs of former slaves who travelled to this area through the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. In 1872, the Refugee Home Society deeded land to the trustees of the British Methodist Episcopal Church where a church and cemetery were established on this site and served the Puce River Black community until the late 1920s.
Information From: Ontario Heritage Trust
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Information From: Ontario Heritage Trust
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
Reaume Park: Siege of Detroit
Here you will find a plaque commemorating the Siege of Detroit. Relations with the Ottawa people deteriorated in 1760 after the British took control of Detroit. In 1763, Chief Pontiac attacked and held Detroit under siege for 6 months. Pontiac's attempt to capture Detroit was ultimately unsuccessful and general peace resumed a few years later.
Information From: Archeologic and Heritage Sites of Ontario
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Information From: Archeologic and Heritage Sites of Ontario
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
River Canard
In the War of 1812, River Canard was the site of the first engagement in Canada involving British and American forces in significant numbers. This outpost was attacked by American Colonel Louis Cass on July 16, 1812. The British fell back and the Americans abandoned the position the following day. A number of skirmishes followed later after the British returned.
Information From: Ontario Heritage Foundation
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Information From: Ontario Heritage Foundation
What's Included
- Insider Tip
Sandpoint Beach Totem Poll
A Nootkon Native, Wikinanish, worked for over 14 months to create this beautiful Totem Pole. Painted red cedar, it is 15.24m (50') high. The red cedar log is from the area of British Colombia where the Nootka peoples live. In 1982, the Rotary Club of Windsor – St. Clair assisted in funding the creation of the Sandpoint Beach Totem Pole.
Images and Information Courtesy of: City of Windsor
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Images and Information Courtesy of: City of Windsor
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
Sandwich First Baptist Church
Windsor's Sandwich First Baptist Church, a National Historic Site, is Canada's oldest active black church. The focal point for many anti-slavery activities, they received, sheltered, and assisted new Canadians arriving on the Underground Railroad. Call ahead to book a tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Sandwich Walking Tour
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information From: Sandwich Walking Tour
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
Sculpture of Chief Tecumseh
Shawnee Chief Tecumseh was born in 1768 in what is now Ohio. He travelled the frontier organizing Pan-Indian confederacy against American encroachment on Shawnee lands. Tecumseh was a powerful military commander who allied with Britain to fight against American invasion during the War of 1812, and was instrumental in aiding General Brock in the capture of Detroit. Chief Tecumseh is the namesake of the Town of Tecumseh, where this sculpture stands. The sculpture was carved by local artist Heather Mallaby and sponsored by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation. Other images of Tecumseh can be seen in the video below.
Images Courtesy of: Lossings Pictoral Field Book & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information From: Museum Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Lossings Pictoral Field Book & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information From: Museum Windsor
What's Included
- Insider Tip
St. Mary's Church in Maidstone
Established in 1846, St. Mary’s is the first Church built inland in the County of Essex. The Hamlets of Maidstone and Oldcastle along the Talbot Trail began as Irish Settlements around 1824. Located on densely forested and swampy land, they were the first European settlements of the interior of Essex County. These communities have a deep agricultural heritage, and today, farming remains the primary land use, with many residents tracing their roots back to the original immigrants.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Sandwich South Historical Society
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Sandwich South Historical Society
What's Included
- Fun Fact
The Gordon House
Built overlooking the Detroit River in 1798 by George Sharp, a Scottish merchant, the Gordon House is the oldest building originally built in Amherstburg. It was a General's home during the War of 1812, and has been used as an infirmary and a trading post. Now it is home to Visit Amherstburg.
Images & Information Courtesy of: Town of Amherstburg
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Images & Information Courtesy of: Town of Amherstburg
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
- Fun Fact
The Great Sauk Trail
The Great Sauk Trail was a link between the Upper Mississippi Valley and the Detroit River region that facilitated trade, communication, transportation, and relationships among Indigenous people and the British Indian Department.
Information Courtesy of: Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
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Information Courtesy of: Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
What's Included
- Fun Fact
The McGregor Cowan House
Built circa 1806, the McGregor Cowan House was used as a storehouse for the Hudson Bay Fur Company. During the War of 1812, prisoners of war were held in the basement. The house is one of only two buildings in the area not burnt to the ground when General Harrison ordered his soldiers to torch Sandwich as the Americans retreated in 1813, making it one of the oldest remaining homes in the area. It also served as officers’ quarters during the Rebellion of 1837-1838. For more information visit the Sandwich Walking Tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: Sandwich Walking Tour
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: Sandwich Walking Tour
What's Included
- Insider Tip
- Fun Fact
The Sandwich Windmill
This commemorative structure of a grist windmill was erected in 1992. In the 18th century, there were many wind-powered grist mills from Tecumseh to LaSalle. The many mills throughout Ontario attracted more settlers and merchants, and so, were vital to economic expansion. Up to 50 bushels of grain could be ground into flour in one day.
Information from: Herb Colling, Town of LaSalle
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Information from: Herb Colling, Town of LaSalle
What's Included
- Fun Fact
Tower of Freedom
The Tower of Freedom Underground Railroad Monument is one half of the International Underground Railroad Memorial created by sculptor Ed Dwight. This half honours the flight of freedom seekers from the U.S. crossing into Canada by depicting their arrival and overwhelming emotion when encountering freedom. The half of the Monument located in Hart Plaza, Detroit, depicts the Gateway to Freedom and features a bronze sculpture of six Underground Railroad travellers awaiting transport to Canada.
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What's Included
- Fun Fact
Vin Villa
Founded in 1866 on Pelee Island, Vin Villa remains the most historically significant winery in North America. It is Canada’s first commercial winery, first Canadian winery to make champagne, and first winery in North America to win worldwide recognition.
Information from: Vin Villa
Information from: Vin Villa
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- To Do While You Are Here
Walkerville and The Canadian Club Brand Centre
The Town of Walkerville was cultivated by Hiram Walker, an industrial entrepreneur, who acquired the lands in 1856 and relocated his now world famous Canadian Club distillery from Detroit. The town experienced immense prosperity, allowing the addition of a post office, homes, a railway line, and even its own currency!
The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Hiram Walker on the corner of Devonshire Road was created by Mark and Laura Williams and cast in bronze by John Vickers.
For more information on the area, try the Walkerville Walking Tour.
Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Walkerville Walking Tour and City of Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Walkerville Walking Tour and City of Windsor
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here
- Fun Fact
Willistead Manor
Willistead Manor was built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned Canadian Club Distillery. The impressive interior showcases marble fireplaces and rich wood paneling. Public tours are available at select times during the summer and winter.
Images Courtesy of: C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive & Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor
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Images Courtesy of: C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive & Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor
What's Included
- Fun Fact
- Insider Tip
- To Do While You Are Here
Windsor Armouries - School of Creative Arts, University of Windsor
Built from 1900 to 1902 in the Richardson Romanesque style, you can still see the octagonal turret, stone entrances, and two storey windows of the Armoury. It was the only armoury in Essex County, and replaced the old wooden barracks as the new home of the Twenty-first Regiment of Essex County (Fusiliers). Later the Essex Scottish Regiment, and the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment used the facility. In 1935, a two-storey addition was added to the south side. Newly renovated, it is now home to the University of Windsor School of Creative Arts.
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Wyandotte Cemetery
The signing of Treaty No. 116 and McKee Purchase/Treaty (1784, 1786, 1790 and 1792), gradually impacted the Indigenous populations negatively, including the loss of hunting grounds. Wyandotte Village consisted of land held back during the purchase, consisting of the Anderdon Township and other lands nearby. In 1875, any remaining reserve lands were changed to private ownership; however, the Wyandotte Cemetery remains as unceded Indigenous land. Please be respectful of this property.
Images Courtesy of: Marsh Historical Collection
Information from: Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
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Images Courtesy of: Marsh Historical Collection
Information from: Stephanie L. Pouget - Papak, (OCT, BA Hons, BEd, MA) & The Park House Museum
What's Included
- To Do While You Are Here