228. A Journey Through History: A Guide to the Niagara Parkway from Chippawa to Black Creek by Paul Krueger

A Journey Through History: A Guide to the Niagara Parkway from Chippawa to Black Creek by Paul Krueger

Rating: (4/5)

(US) - (available online new only here in Canada)

2002, Willoughby Historical Museum, 48 pgs

Age: 18+

"This booklet is intended to be a guide for the 11.5 km (7.2 mile) stretch of the Niagara Parkway/Niagara Parks Commission Recreational Trail, from Chippawa (King's Bridge Park) to Black Creek."

A friend loaned me the book.

If you go down to the end of my street you will be on the Niagara Parkway and driving anywhere along this road is a beautiful scenic drive.  This little guidebook takes you from the village of Chippawa down to an area called Black Creek where a thriving town was stood.  There are not a lot of actual historical sites left standing along this route but the area is extremely rich in historical background being both a major area for the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837.  One of the greatest victories for the US Army ever, The Battle of Chippawa, was fought along here.  Reading this guide before setting off on the short afternoon drive will submerge you in the exciting and often bloody history of this idyllic stretch of scenery.  We are told of wars and rebellions, an assassination, Fenian raids and a tiny island that has seen more action than could be imagined by looking at the now controlled wildlife preserve.  We are told of the early schooling, there is a museum of the area in an old one-room schoolhouse, rum-running across the Niagara River, life of the early settlers, the original Native inhabitants and the strict religious Ebenezer society.  Finally, the back of the book ends with a detailed flora and fauna description to be on the look out for.  An interesting piece of local history for me and a useful travel guide for the historically inclined tourist.


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