Bois Blanc Island Memorial Plaque

BOIS BLANC ISLAND BLOCKHOUSES

Following the evacuation of the British military post at Detroit
in 1796, a new establishment commenced opposite
here on the site of Amherstburg, and two blockhouses were
built on this island to serve as outposts. As a result of
armed armed attacks on Amherstburg by supporters of William
Lyon Mackenzie during the Rebellion of 1837-38, the
original defences on Bois Blanc were replaced in 1839 by
three new blockhouses and a picquet house enclosed by a
palisade. The latter was occupied by regular troops from Fort Malden
until 1851 and thereafter housed Enrolled Pensioners until 1859.
The two remaining blockhouses are situated at the centre
and south end of the island.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.