Major John Richardson wrote extensively on the War of 1812, both from the perspective of the First Nations forces (with whom he fought for a time) and the British. He was referred to as a “gentleman volunteer" in the 41st Regiment of Foot in the War of 1812.

MAJOR JOHN RICHARDSON
1796 - 1852

"This pioneer historian, author and soldier was born in Queenston. His family moved to Amherstburg about 1802, and at the outbreak of the War of 1812 Richardson joined the British army. Retired on half pay in 1818 in London, England, he published the epic poem "Tecumseh" and the celebrated historical novel "Wacousta" which established his literary reputation. In 1838 Richardson returned to Upper Canada where he published two weekly newspapers, "The New Era" (1841-42) and "The Canadian Loyalist" (1843-44). His later works "Eight Years in Canada" and "The War of 1812" provide invaluable historical information. In 1848 he moved to New York City where he died in poverty."

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board

A comprehensive biography of Richardson and an overview of his collected poems and novels was prepared by David R. Beasley in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.

From Toronto:

1. Get on QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way/ON-403) W. Follow signs for Niagara/East Hamilton/Fort Erie
2. Keep left to continue on ON-405, follow signs for Queenston Lewiston U.S.A
3. Take the Stanley Avenue/Regional Road 102 exit toward Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake
4. Keep left at the fork and follow signs for Niagara Pkwy/Niagara-on-the-Lake
5. Turn left onto Stanley Ave
6. Slight right onto Portage Rd (signs for Portage Road/Niagara Parkway/Queenston/Niagara on the Lake)
7. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Niagara Pkwy.
8. Turn right on Queenston St.

The plaque is located near the corner of Queenston St. and Walnut St.

From Niagara:

1. Take QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) towards Toronto
2. Take exit 34 for Regional Road 101/Mountain Road
3. Turn right onto Mountain Rd/Regional Rd 101 (signs for Mountain Road E)
4. At the roundabout, continue straight to stay on Mountain Rd/Regional Rd 101
5. Turn left onto St Paul Ave/Regional Rd 100. Continue to follow Regional Rd 100.
6. Turn right onto York Rd/Regional Rd 81 (signs for Queenston)
7. Turn left onto Niagara Pkwy
8. Take the 1st right onto Queenston St.

The plaque will be on your right, just before the Queenston St. - Walnut St. intersection.

Near southeast corner of Queenston and Walnut Streets,
Village of Queenston, Niagara on the Lake, ON
L0S 1L0

Beasley, David R. "RICHARDSON, JOHN (1796-1852)," in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 8, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed April 21, 2015, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/richardson_john_1796_1852_8E.html.