Amherstburg Things to Do

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The Park House has a most romantic oral tradition. It is said to have been built at the mouth of the rouge River in Detroit by a family of Loyalists. When Detroit was ceded to the Americans in 1796 the owners crossed the river to the new British post at Malden.

On receiving a land grant in 1798 they dismantled their River Rouge home and towed it downriver by canoe to be reassembled on Lot 17, the west side of First Street in the new town of Amherstburg. A feat of loyalty indeed! This story first appears in print in 1881 in the "Illustrated Historical Atlas of the Counties of Essex and Kent". Unfortunately, to date there is no documentary evidence to support the claim.

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The North American Black Historical Museum has been established to preserve Black Heritage from African origins to present day development in the Western Hemisphere. There is a focus on the Underground Railroad movement, Canadian Black settlement and the accomplishments and constitutions of the people of African origins who helped shape this great nation. The museum is owned and operated by the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Center Inc. The Board of Director collects, preserves, interprets, researched, and exhibits a collection of objects and specimens of historical and cultural value.

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As you walk through the grounds and buildings of FORT MALDEN you will see the remnants of a British Post that was pivotal in defence of this area during the conflicts that shaped early 19th century Canada. Fort Malden lies in an idyllic park-like setting along the shores of the Detroit River.
Buildings consist of: Enlisted Men's Barracks ( circa 1819 ), Visitor Orientation Center ( Circa 1939 ), Military Pensioner's Cottage ( Circa 1851 ), and Museum ( Circa 1861 ).
Remnants of Earthworks ( 1838 - 40 ) and Ordnance Shed ( Circa 1820's ) can be seen also,
Foundation Outlines of Brick Guardhouse ( Circa 1821 ) Wooden-frame Barrack ( 1839 ) Brick Cookhouse ( 1820 ) and Officer's Brick Barrack ( 1839).

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Scattered throughout the grounds of Fort Malden are various Cannon's which made up the FORT' S ARTILLERY. A Cannon is any large tubular firearm designed to fire a heavy projectile over a considerable distance. The "projectile" commonly used were Cannon Balls which were solid and in the 17th century, made from iron and were the most accurate projectile that could be fired by a smooth-bore cannon and used to batter the wooden hulls of opposing ships and forts.

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September 8, 9, 10 2006
Amherstburg, Ontario on the beautiful waterfront grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site which is located at 100 Laird Ave.
SHORES OF ERIE INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL will be featuring the area's finest Wineries, top chefs and live entertainment such as the guitarist Pavlo along with soul, jazz and blues vocalist Thornetta Davis.
This year's theme is "Toast to the Tastes".
In the Seminar Pavilion there will be cooking demonstrations and wine seminars.
The event website provides schedules and ticket information.
Day and Weekend passes available.
Admission costs$10.00 for a one-day pass, $15.00 for two days and $20.00 for all Three days.

When Kris and Tim (Kris-t) invited us to go with them to the Shores of Erie Wine Festival, we thought it was a great idea. The Festival featured 12 Wineries and 11 Restaurants over the period of three days. The Fest which was only the second annual, was attended by thousands and was held on the grounds of the Historic Fort Malden in Amherstburg. The Fort grounds overlook the Detroit River and the island of Bob-lo which was once an amusement park. It made for a very relaxing atmosphere. Folks were lying in the grass, looking at the river and enjoying a bottle of wine with friends. There was also good food to enjoy.

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This brick building was originally erected as a laundry andd bakery for the insane asylum established in 1859. After the asylum closed, the structure became a planing mill and continued in use, as such, until 1918 when it was purchased by Franklin Hough and converted into his family residence. Acquired in 1946, the building is now the INTERPRETATION CENTRE and contains Fort Malden's exhibits.

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The Enlisted Men's Barrack was open to the public and it was very interesting. The uniforms were hung up neatly on their hooks with the caps lined up along the shelf. Also the muskets were safely stowed away. The large and long dining table had a few plates set. The plates were in the 'Blue Willow' design that my Mom used to have. The wooden cots seemed so small for military men. The bedding was neatly rolled up on the shelf behind the beds.

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The sole building left from those constructed after the re-occupation of Fort Malden by the British, the single story ENLISTED MEN'S BARRACK has three rooms and was designed to accommodate 66 soldiers. In the 1840's the barrack was converted into the fort's hospital and a kitchen was added to its southeast corner.