Drawing of Robert Hamilton

In 1788, Robert Hamilton (b.1753- d.1809) and his associates obtained exclusive rights to operate the portage route on the west side of the Niagara River. This gave travellers and merchants access to the Upper Great Lakes via boat in Chippewa.
Hamilton eventually acquired thousands of acres of land and owned numerous enterprises, including a distillery and tannery in Queenston. He also constructed a stone house, along with wharves and storehouses for his mercantile business. He became a prominent member in the Queenston and Niagara communities, even becoming a judge and member of the Legislative Council.