Freedom Park and The Crossing

FREEDOM PARK

Freedom Park was established in October, 2000, to mark this location that is so important to Black history, the Underground Railroad, and the important transportation legacy of the Niagara River.

Freedom Park Plaque

Prior to US emancipation, many Blacks seeking freedom crossed the Niagara River from the United States to Fort Erie on the ferries which plied the Niagara River. One such crossing was located near the intersection of Bertie Avenue and Niagara Boulevard in Fort Erie. Commemorating the crossings, the Underground Railroad in Niagara, and the Fort Erie Ferry Crossings, Freedom Park serves as a monument to the confluence of historical factors that allowed so many people fleeing slavery to find freedom north of the border in Canada.

When opening Freedom Park on October 28th, 2000, Brian E. Merrett, Chairman of The Niagara Parks Commission, stated:

 
 

ENTRANCE PLAQUES

On either side of the main Niagara Boulevard entrance to Freedom Park, two blue and bronze plaques are affixed to the stone pillars:

Fort Erie Ferry Landings Plaque (affixed to left [north] pillar)

The plaque features a map of the river and shows a number of known ferry landings along the Fort Erie riverside. The plaque reads,

"Throughout the 1800's there were many ferry landings competing for business along the Niagara River. The map below is a compilation of some of these locations. Ferry leases were granted to Col. John Warren Sr., John Warren Jr., Nelson Forsyth, Kenneth Mackenzie and Col. James Kirby. Colonel James Kirby was also collector of Customs during the mid 1800s and reported his frustration to the government that "ferry boats landed here and there and everywhere as might best suit them."

Bertie Street Ferry Landing c. 1796 – 1950 (affixed to right [south] pillar)

This plaque commemorates one of the most significant ferry docks on the Niagara River. The plaque reads,

"Over the centuries there have been many ferry landings along the Niagara River. Some were built by local merchants and some as government licensed landing points. The longest operating ferry dock was here, near the foot of present day Bertie Street. It was licensed to Henry Windecker c. 1796. This hub of activity was not only a crossing point to and from the United States, but was also the location of customs, immigration, vehicle registration, and a railroad terminus. During the mid 1800s fugitive slave were ferried here to freedom, as their last stop on the "Underground Railroad". During the early 1900s tourists could board the Fort Erie, Snake Hill and Pacific Railroad at this point, for a trip to Erie Beach Amusement Park. Ferry business declined following the opening of the Peace Bridge in 1927. The last crossing of people and vehicles to Fort Erie by ferry occurred Sept. 2, 1950, on a boat called the Orleans."



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