Fort Mississauga

During the War of 1812 construction began on Fort Mississauga to replace Fort George after it was destroyed by American troops. Built strategically along the shores of Lake Ontario, in what is now Niagara-on-the-Lake, the fort was built to help British and Canadian forces defend the mouth of the Niagara River against the American army. It was constructed from the rubble of the town of Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake), which was largely destroyed during the war, and was completed after the War had ended in 1814. It is the only example of a star shaped earthwork in Canada. In later years Fort Mississauga was used as a summer training camp for Canadian military during World War I and II, and the Korean War.

Situated on the grounds of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, Fort Mississauga can be accessed by a pedestrian trail which begins at the corner of Simcoe and Front Streets. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the marked trail until inside the fort for safety reasons, watch for flying golf balls. From the grounds of Fort Mississauga visitors will be able to take in terrific views of Lake Ontario. The site is also the perfect vantage point to view Fort Niagara across the river in Youngstown, New York.

The block house is the only building of the original fort to survive with all other buildings destroyed or dismantled. The interior of the blockhouse is closed, but has wooden staircases leading to some upper windows. There are also some dugouts along the earthworks, presumebly for storage of supplies and munitions. A gated pathway leads down to the lakeshore. Fort Mississauga is a National Historic Site of Canada