Mackenzie's Crossing 1837 Plaque

MACKENZIE’S CROSSING 1837

On December 7, 1837, William Lyon MacKenzie’s “Patriot”
forces were defeated north of Toronto by Loyalist militia
and he fled toward the United States. Travelling little used
routes in order to avoid government forces which were
scouring the countryside, he reached this vicinity on
December 11th. Capt. Samuel McAfee, who owned this
property at the time, provided MacKenzie with a boat to
cross the Niagara River. While the rebel leader was
embarking, Col. William Kerby arrived with a detachment of
militia, but the McAfee family distracted his attention until
MacKenzie gained the safety of the American shore.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.