Map of the Merritt Family Historical Tour route: A. Fort George National Historic Site; B. Brock's Monument; C. Oak Hill Estate; D. William Hamilton Merritt Monument; E. Old Bank Memorial; F. Montebello Park; G. Keefer Mansion;H. First Suspension Bridge over Niagara Gorge; I. Welland Canal Lift Bridge; J. Merritt Park; K. Welland Canal Workers Memorial.

The Merritt Tour offers a unique perspective on many of Niagara's Historical and Heritage sites. Combining 11 distinct places together, that would otherwise seem entirely unrelated, this tour allow you to discover how Niagara had been shaped over time. Following the historical presence of the settling Merritt Family. this tour offers extensive background information on their economic, social and cultural capital contribution to the area. By exploring each individual place through this you will be able to piece together how particular transportation routes had been developed or how certain historical buildings or parks emerged within Niagara. Whether the Niagara Region is your home or you are simply visiting this tour will help you gather a deeper and more interconnected understanding this beautiful area as a whole.

This tour includes the following destinations:

The pioneering settling of St. Catharines had begun approximately in 1780. From between 1787-1789 there had been a full-scale movement by the state to promote development within the northern Niagara Peninsula, by offering land grants by royal proclamation. These land grants were extremely appealing as they were very close to multiple sources of water and extremely close to the american border. As the area became more populated grain and lumber mills were built, thus establishing a small but thriving economy. This soon became known as "Shipman's Corners" (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

One man during this time who was heavily invested into the area was Sir William Hamilton Merritt. As a young boy living in a loyalist family, William was forced to flee the United States during the American Revolution to Canada, as many did during this time (Burtniak & Wesley.1979)..

William was a very ambitious boy from a young age. He had always done well with business and convincing others to follow him in his endeavours . Coming from a wealthier family William was given ample opportunity to establish himself within "Shipman's Corner" as a successful businessman and town developer. Yet Williams true passion had been set in transportation; whether this was in order to help grow his businesses or because he loved town planning is unsure. However if one thing is clear, his drive for development has helped create St. Catharines into what it is today (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).During the days he had lived in St.Catharines William had three sons with his wife Catharine; Jebediah (1820), William Jr (1822) and Thomas (1824).

The entire tour singularly focuses on William Hamilton Merritt as well as his three sons, through the houses, buildings, businesses and transportation routes they had built during their time in Niagara.

Burtniak & Wesley (1979). The Welland Canals: First Annual Niagara Peninsula History Conference. City of St. Catharines & Brock University. April 21-22

Styran, R. M. (1963). William Hamilton Merritt : man of one idea. Hamilton, Ont. : McMaster University, Department of History, 1963.