Butler's Barracks / The Commons, NOTL - Macdonald, Jamie - Local Landscape Report



Image courtesy Wikipedia Commons
 


 


 


 

ABSTRACT

Known as one of the earliest and most important industrial settlements of the Niagara region, the Power Glen area has lasting importance of history amongst the community. Power Glen is accessible by informal trails along the west bank of Twelve Mile Creek which join the Participark Trail and the Merritt Trail (Brown 2016). This area, originally a saw mill and grist mill for early settlers, is now a cheerful residential neighbourhood. The historical significance of Power Glen goes back to the European settlement along the Twelve Mile Creek in the late eighteenth century (Brown 2016). As the revolution ended in defeat for the British, the decision was made to open up the Niagara Peninsula for settlement. The most significant individual in the early history of Power Glen was Duncan Murray, who build the first mill in 1786 (HCDP 2010). The land transferred in ownership for many years though Power Glen continued to act as a cornerstone for the development of the district. By the mid 1800s the mills were renamed the Crown Mills for reasons uncertain and also suffered a decline but that was soon to change after Benjamin Franklin Reynolds bought the property in 1854 (Hughes 2008). Reynolds revived the area and reclaiming it as the village of Reynoldsville. His contribution to the hamlet included a home for himself, as well as 12 houses for workers, a boarding house, and a general store. Reynolds manufactured wagons, buggies and supplied timber while maintaining the mills. Reynolds himself passed away in 1896, conveying an end a vital section in Power Glen's history. Once electricity became more prominent, the experimentation of electrical generation for industrial and municipal use gave the Twelve Mile Creek purpose again. Power companies relocated to Reynoldsville to take advantage of the greater head of water at the Escarpment. For time the power station remained secluded, while in 1970, the area officially became part of St. Catharines (HCDP 2010). Fast forward to present day, the community has signs of modernization though traces of history lay throughout the land, reminding the public of outstanding history.

Brown, David. "Power Glen / Reynoldsville / Crown Mills." Power Glen / Reynoldsville / Crown Mills. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. from http://www.niagaragreenbelt.com/listings/53-historic-a-heritage-sites/771-power-glen-reynoldsville.html

Hughes, Alun. "Shades of Reynoldsville and Decew Town." Newsletter of the Historical Society of St Catharines., Dec. 2008. Web. from https://brocku.ca/webfm_send/31331

The City of St. Catharines, Planning Services Department and the St. Catharines Heritage Committee, in Association with the Power Glen Community, ed. "Power Glen." Heritage Conservation District Plan (HCDP) (n.d.): n. pag. July 2010. Web from https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/buildin/resources/Power_Glen_Heritage_Plan.pdf

I. LOCATION INFORMATION

______________________________________________________________________

  • I.LOCATION INFORMATION

Municipality: Niagara-On-The-Lake

Local area name: Butlers Barracks

Other identifying names or descriptions The Commons

Latitude and longitude: 43.248497, 79.072368

Physical Dimensions (as appropriate):

Length: 1km

Width: 500 m -1km

Surface Area: 1.75 km2

Elevation:

Highest / lowest point 90.2 M Highest

86.2 M Lowest point

II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF YOUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE

The Butlers barracks is a historic sight that has seen its landscape change in its 200 years. Before it was touch by humans it was a forest landscape that covered the Carolinian forest, similar to the type of forests still seen around the Niagara Region. The landscape was first transformed in the year of 1814 after the destruction of Fort George by American forces, the British decided they needed to fortify the land better, due to the flat grade of the land and the proximity of the plot of land to Fort George, the British decided to make it a training ground where soldiers and weapons were stored and able to deploy if the Americans tried to attack again. Trees were cut down along with brush and high grasses, built in its place over the course of 30 years, was a collection of 19 man made buildings. They were constructed out of wood from local mills, most likely maple or oak as those are the two hardwood trees indigenous to the area. After the British had finished the buildings by the 1870's, there had been a significant decline in war and the time of peace was upon the British North American people due to this shift, the butlers barracks was converted to Camp Niagara in 1871, a military training base. Soldiers, active and reserves, from across Ontario came to the camp. The camp trained soldiers from across Canada, they turned the camps grounds into simulated battlegrounds, digging trenches that simulated battlegrounds of World War 1, and they turned the sight into a shooting range and even mortar practice cut into the lands of the commons. The sight was described by a general who visited in 1914 'First Class for a small picnic affairs but troops get no real training whatsoever." This is a prime observation of what was to come. Camp Niagara closed in the early 60's and ownership was transferred to the Ontario Parks commission for safekeeping. When Parks Canada took it over they began to do some major overhauls to the land by removing water lines from the buildings and slowly disassembling all but 5 original buildings of Butler Barracks. The site was used to host the (plaque in the park states) "first ever boy scouts jamboree in 1965 where 250, 000 boy scouts from across the world" came to the commons and really made a statement to the world about the new country of Canada. Since then the commons has been turned into a popular park that the locals enjoy walking their dogs in, there are paved trails around the perimeter perfect for biking and running. The municipality built a public pool, 4 pad tennis court as well as a playground jungle gym, 3 soccer fields, a beach volleyball court, as well as baseball diamond, a statue memorial depicting the different wars that the commons trained soldiers for. It was up until November 1st 2016 home to the Welland & Lincon regiment war museum, which was in one of the original buildings still standing from the 1800's There is a parking lot for cars as well as the sight of Kiwanis scout hall. Overall the Butlers Barrack's has become a pivotal area for not only the community of Niagara on the Lake but also the surrounding areas that get to participate in all the attractions that this beautifully preserved land has to offer.


III. MAP

Map Caption

Map 1: Here is the earliest known areal photograph in of the commons taken in 1934. The major feature here that is different than other photos prior to this which is highlighted above, is the track and field circuit that is in this picture just above the barracks, it could be inferred that it could have been used for endurance training while it was a military camp


Map 2 Here we see an areal photo from 1953 of the barracks and the surrounding town of Niagara on the lake and Fort George. It is interesting to note in the similarity in the streets that boarder Butlers Barracks.


IV. ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - a) BIOTA

As Butlers Barrack's is located in a predominantly agricultural area, it is not home to diverse wildlife. In 1976, a "natural resource inventory found species such as shagbark hickory, black walnut, beech and red oak trees averaging 90 to 120 years old" on the Fort George battlefield. (Management plan, p.33). The characteristics of this treed area match those found in Carolinian hardwood forests, which are not common in Niagara and are thus vigorously harvested. The area of the commons most predominant eco system would be considered a black oak savanna, black oak as that is the most predominant tree on the land and we can say savanna as it is defined by "open fields or meadows of tall native prairie grasses with some shade-tolerant plants and up to 35% tree coverage. In 1790 the land now known as the commons had been cleared by the Kings Rangers and was referred to as the Generals field up until it became butlers barracks in 1816. Due to the limited availability of such a rare tree species, part of the site near Four Mile Pond was classified as Provincial Area of Scientific and Natural Interest. Since the Commons property is owned and administered by Parks Canada, most of the plant and animal life living within it are protected under National Historic Site regulations that do not allow for the destruction or endangerment of wildlife within the designated area. The most common animals found on the property are squirrels, birds and fish that are in the Niagara River. Starting in mid-November, hundreds of thousands of birds making their migratory trip South for the winter end up living along the Niagara River:

This is a leaf of the Quercus Velutina or Eastern Black Oak the most common tree found in the commons, as it is the most native to The Common's area.

The woodland Vole or the Microtus Pinetorum is a species of concern in the Niagara region, these small mammals are timid creatures so it is easy to see that with the mass tourists, driving cars and walking their dogs through the parks that this mammal would have left Butlers Barracks area in lieu of some place more remote

Ectopistes migratorius, more commonly known as the Passenger Pigeon, it is estimated that there were 3-6 billion of these birds across North America when the European arrived are now extinct and have been since the early 20th century

Bonaparte Gull - Native to North America. Typically stay in Canada during

Summer months and migrate to the United States during winter. During breeding seasons their heads turn black. They mainly feed on small fish and insects by catching them on their beaks.


Ross's Gull - has only been spotted in Niagara a couple of times within the past few decades. They mainly nest in Arctic regions and not normally seen this far south. This species is currently at risk.

IV. ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - b) GEOMORPHOLOGY

b) Geomorphology:

The land surrounding Butlers Barracks and The Commons has many distinguishing characteristics. The original landscape of Fort George and its surrounding area was always used for Military purposes because of the ideal location oriented on the Niagara River. Due to the French and the Seven Year's War, "Extensive settlement began in 1781 with the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists, many from the upper New York State, who had chosen the British side during the American Revolution" (Management Plan, p. 6). Although war brought most settlers to Canada, it was the fertile soil and vast open land that kept them here. Many settlers that served under the militia regiments during the war turned what was once a bloody battlefield into a booming agricultural community. The village that is now known as Niagara-on-the-Lake was first established as the first capital of Upper Canada recognized as Newark. Today, the site of Butlers Barracks has been vastly changed from its original esthetics before British modification of the area, The soil is rich in nutrient and is situated in the heart of the Niagara Wine Region on the lower bench which is a result of the old glacial lake that once covered the land. Now a days, the freshly manicured lawn of the long flat fields looks oddly in place within the city limits, you can tell by the field maintenance building at the mouth of its King St. entrance that Niagara Parks keeps great care of the land. The land has been stomped down flat, by the century's soldiers that marched across the grounds. The rows of trees that circle the grounds reminisces upon fortress walls, a planted tribute to the actual walls that once was the first line of defense from American Military forces. During the times as a military camp, there was running water to all buildings but that was taken out after the land was taken over by the parks commission to save on hydro costs. Today, concrete paved walkways remain below the grass line to hide the man made additions from the eye to keep the greenery of the land at the front of your mind. It is an effective way of channeling locals and tourist alike from the downtown core to the wineries. The Parks commission added a gravel parking lot along King St to give access to park users. They have added four clay tennis courts with a surrounding fence; they have added sand to the grounds, which is an interesting human made geographical feature. They have also dug a six-lane swimming pool with another parking lot off the King St entrance.

IV. ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - c) HYDROGEOLOGY

[Read Alberti (Chapter 5): Hydrological Processes (pp. 133-161)

As there are no natural hydrological features directly attached to the Butlers Barracks/Commons it is important to note that the site lays less than a half kilometer away from the Niagara river, and less than a kilometer away from Lake Ontario, one out of six of North America's Great Lakes. The relatively flat nature of the land (only 4 meters deviance highest to lowest) a ditch system with a 3 food culvert that surrounds the outer edge of the park was put in place to keep the grassy fields dry and stop water pooling so that the land is accessible to the public for the most time as possible. The land was covered by an ancient glacial lake, and can be confirmed by the nutrient rich soils as well as the Niagara escarpment that faces towards the Barracks. The town ran water lines through the barracks in the 1900's to support the average of 1200 men who would stay at camp Niagara, due to the Barracks being so far up in the northern hemisphere, the pipes had to be placed at a depth that would be below the frost line to ensure that they would not freeze and burst in the sub 0o temperatures in the winter months.

IV. ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - d) CLIMATE / MICROCLIMATE

The most immediate change to the climate at Butlers Barracks is the ditches they dug out and made as drainage, there would be a minor change in the climate as there would be a significant less amount of moisture in the top soil as it would be drained away, this can result in less dew in the summer and less frost on the ground in the late fall and winter months. One of the largest changes to the climate would be the power plant that was installed in the Niagara River, decreasing the intensity of water flow decreases humidity in the air as the mist from the falls that would have been blown to the barracks if the wind was blowing in a southeasterly direction. This would further decrease the humidity of the barracks' land this would affect vegetation in a negative light. The addition to paved roads, which allows cars that emit C02 fumes that are poisonous to animals and plats alike. The salting of the trails in the winter months increases sodium levels in the dirt; change of Ph levels can be detrimental to native plant growth. As it is a major crop town, the farms pay for crop dusting to take place and as this site is less than a kilometer away from the closest winery it is inevitable that the it does not get chemicals sprayed on them to promote growth and kill insects in the commons and barracks.

V. HISTORICAL FEATURES

  • I.HISTORICAL FEATURES

  • Archaeological influences:
  • o According to Native tradition it is most likely that (Merrit 2012) 'this land would have been used to harvest Maize, Beans, and Squash," as those were the three main crops grown in the region on grassy plains. This was long before the Europeans came to the Niagara region
  • oLand use history:
    The Parks commission added a gravel parking lot along King St to give access to park users. They have added four clay tennis courts with a surrounding fence; they have added sand to the grounds, which is an interesting human made geographical feature. They have also dug a 6 lane swimming pool with another parking lot off there off of King St.


VI. CULTURAL FEATURES

Education / Interpretation: The Commons is rich in education, and up until this month was home to the Lincon & Welland regiment military museum where they have not only exhibits of Butler's Rangers ( the regiment that stayed in the barracks) but also exhibits of WWI, WWII and modern military equipment. Scattered around the trail and pictured below are also displays that give visitors a brief history of the military and boy scouts usage through out the years:

Above is a picture of some of the informative signs scattered across The Commons

Pictured to the left is an exhibit from the Barrack and Common's museum that depicts the actual clothing that was worn by Butler's rangers while they served and were on duty. Below we see 3 pictures from the museum of the camp in its days of its military glory.

British military. The two story Barracks, Commissariat Store, Gun shed and Commissariat Office Quarters are the four buildings that still stand today and can be looked at and touched from the outside but entrance into the buildings is not permitted as they are locked by the Parks commitment to preserving these buildings. However up until Nov 1 2016 the bottom floor of the two story barracks was accessible as it was home to the museum. Now that it is closed, it will be going under renovations and be given modern touches such as a bathroom, and central air unit for both heating and cooling as it is being converted into a office for Niagara Parks. Other buildings that adorn the site are Kinsman Scout Hall that was erected to accommodate the festivities of the Boy Scout Jamboree that was held there in 1965. Recreational Uses: The land of Butlers Barracks and the Commons has been transformed over the years and has turned into a major recreational facility used by locals for a variety of activity. The most common recreational activities that this park is used for is easy to observe by spending just minutes in the park, you will see people bicycling along the trails that run as veins through the grounds, it is practically a sure bet that you will also see groups of dog walkers taking their K-9 friends out for walks along the trail. When the ground is not snow covered, there is a municipal park which houses a play ground for children, soccer fields that the local house league soccer teams use as home fields, as well as a baseball diamond, and a 5 lane Olympic length pool equipped with male and female change room. Large local events held in the park are; the annual Easter egg hunt is held on the grounds on the Saturday of Easter weekend that is run by the Kinsman Club who also have a clubhouse on the property. Concerts are also a major use of the park, the Tragically Hip, City & Colour and Mumford and Sons are a few of the superstars to grace Butlers Backs with their musical abilities.


VII. LAND TENURE

Butlers Barracks is a National Historic Park that is controlled and operated by Parks Canada. There is free public access to the site at all times of day although loitering in the park at night is never in any ones best interest. The land is maintained by Parks Canada and Niagara parks and is in charge of grass cutting, and general maintenance of the Barracks, the City of Niagara on the Lake controls the upkeep of the sports/recreation facility. As the Canadian Military once owned this, it has always been under federal ownership; just the division of government had changed throughout the 20th century. The site currently falls under the Fort George historic site in the parks Canada Itinerary. The Fort George action plan is based off the commission made from admittance fees but as the Barracks is a free public facility it gets less improvement than the money generating attraction that is Fort George.

VIII. CONNECTIVITY AND CONTEXT

Downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake: Butlers Barracks/Commons would not have the same appeal and visitor numbers if it was not for the surrounding town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since the 1900's the establishment and growth of the small yet beautiful town has led to the preservation of all of the National Historic Sites around it including, Navy Hall, Fort George, Fort Mississauga, and Queenston Heights. However, it could be argued that downtown Niagara-on- the-Lake would not be the town that is it today without the presence of all the historic landmarks that first brought settlers to this region. The form, density, heterogeneity, and connectivity of Niagara-on-the-Lake have made it an easy to navigate town. It has been divided into sections to avoid mass development of the entire area. There is Downtown where the majority of infrastructure and housing occupies, there is the farm land that takes up the majority of the acreage on the land locked side of town and there is all of the area in between that links them together. This area is full of average size homes with yards and larger grocery stores and department style shopping. Mainly supported by elderly folk, the Shaw Festival brings people from all over that have the time and money to explore the hidden treasures within one of the first settled villages of Ontario. This town is just one input that is affecting the type of people that are coming to visit Butlers Barracks and how they are affecting the landscape of Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Country. It is these people that have influenced the development of their town into the tourist attraction that it is today. The growth of the Wine industry is another factor that has influenced the growth and popularity of the Butlers Barrack's and its surrounding area. Since its primary source of income is from vineyards and farms, the land mostly to the south of the Commons has not been developed and still embodies the "country" style of living that so many people are moving away from nowadays. Having so many wineries in the region attracts many seasonal travelers as well as special events. Banquet halls and restaurants have nothing on the spread out majestic setting of rows upon rows of delicious smelling grapes and estates in the background. This setting appeals to people from all over and creates a niche market for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events that require industries such as restaurants, hotels, and local businesses (little shops along Queen Street)

Another area that bring people indirectly through Butlers Barracks is due to it's close proximity to Niagara Falls. This iconic wonder brings in over 12 million tourists each year. Due to that increased number of people within the region at any given time, accommodations need to be available not only within Niagara Falls but also the surrounding area such as St. Catharine's, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Queenston. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a main destination for people looking for a location that is still close to the Fall's but is more quite with a more authentic feel. It is neither as busy nor flashy as Clifton Hill and does not include all the typical touristy businesses that accompany a major destination like Niagara Falls, (i.e., Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, massive arcades, Jet boat rides, Maid of the Mist, etc.) but it does have a preserved historical environment that makes it a one of a kind tourist destination for people of all ages and interests.

IX. CONTACT INFORMATION

  • I.As the sight falls under the Fort George historical site it is difficult to find direct action plans for the Barracks. Even contacting Parks Canada you enquire through the Fort George division of the department

Site Address:

Fort George National Historic Site

  • 51 Queens Parade

Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0

Mailing Address:

Niagara National Historic Sites

  • 26 Queen St, PO Box 787
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0

Tel:

(905) 468-6614

E-mail:

ont-niagara@pc.gc.ca

Fax:

(905) 468-8523

X. LITERATURE CITED

  • I.LITERATURE CITED
  • Richard D. Merrit, On Common Ground: The ongoing story of the commons in Niagara on the lake Dundurn, 2012

Butler's Barracks C/O Fort George National Historic Site. n.p.: Grey House Publishing Canada, 2013. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

McConnell, David, and Robert M. Skanes. "A Unique Barrack Building At Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario." APT Bulletin 10.1 (1978): 50-54. America: History and Life with Full Text.

Butler's Barracks C/O Fort George National Historic Site. n.p.: Grey House Publishing Canada, 2012. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Grande, J. K. (1998). Art wars: Butler's Barracks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Art Papers, 22(6), 66.

https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/species-risk-type

http://www.lwmuseum.ca/library/

www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/sites/bulters-barracks/index.html

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fort+George+National+Historic+Site/@43.2480923,-79.0744329,2097m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d35f9ef3441a17:0xd92898979e97a77e!8m2!3d43.250735!4d-79.061212

http://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=33873be71555423db62472eebf317042

1934 - A4700-13

1953 - A13965-15

Brock University Department o f Geography Cartography Off1ce. Mapping Upper Canada, 1700 1867 St

Catharines, ON: Brock University Department of Geography, 1991

Farina, A. (2006). Principles and methods in landscape ecolog: toward a science of landscape / by

Almo Farina. Dordrecht: Springer, c2006

You may use any accepted citation style you choose, as long as it is consistent throughout your report. Examples and guidelines can be found online at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/



About the author

About the author

This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Jamie MacDonald for the Brock University course TOUR / GEOG 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November 11, 2016.

All copyrights for cited material rest with the original copyright owners.


This point of interest is one of many on the GuideTags app –
a free digital interpretive guide that features thematic tours, routes, and discovery sessions,
and automatically tells geolocated stories about the places that surround us.
Download the app today, and start exploring!
Contact us if you would like to create your own content.
Report an error or inappropriate content.