Ordnance Boundary Stones of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Learn more about the significance of these unique stones in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
By Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Board of Ordnance
The Board of Ordnance (BO) was responsible for the supply of cannons, weapons and ammunition of all kinds. They were also in charge of the maintenance and construction of fortifications and barracks.
Board of Ordnance Uniform by British MilitaryNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
This is an example of a Board of Ordnance coat and bicorn hat. This uniform was worn by William Duff and is considered to be one the finest surviving examples of its kind.
Branding IronNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Any object (weapons, paper, uniforms, buildings, etc.) owned by the British Military would have been marked with a broad arrow. This branding iron from our collection was used by the Board of Ordnance to mark such objects.
Canteen with Broad arrowNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Here is an example of the broad arrow on a canteen.
Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Front ViewNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Ordnance Boundary stones are boundary markers for military properties, and they feature the broad arrow, the initials "BO", and a number that corresponds to various maps.
Ordnance Boundary Stone #36Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
These stones were erected around the perimeter of four properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake owned by the British Military. They are some of the most tangible remnants that can still be seen today. They remind us of our history as a British Military town.
Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
While some of these stones have been lost over the years, some of them can still be seen at the following 4 different properties in the Heritage District of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Garrison Reserve Stones
The Garrison Reserve, more commonly known as the Fort George Military Reserve or The Commons, has stones #1-19. The following stones are examples of the boundary markers that have been located at this site.
Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Back ViewNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Close up view of OBS #3.
Ordnance Boundary Stone #16
Stone #16 can be found near the entrance gates of Fort George. This stone is unique because it marks the first and largest surrender of a portion of the military reserve since its original boundaries were set in 1796. This stone was placed to mark the new Military Reserve boundary.
Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Mississauga Reserve
The stones that bound this property are #20-28. The following stones are examples of the boundary markers that have been located at this site.
Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Vacant Town Lot A Stones
Today this property is known as Simcoe Park. The stones that bound this property are #29-32. Only the following two stones can be found.
Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Stones on lots 79,80, 89 and 90.
These lots are bound by Queen, Johnson, Nassau and Dorchester Streets and have stones #33-36. The following are examples of the boundary markers that have been located at this site.
Ordnance Boundary Stones FoundNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Explore the Ordnance Boundary Stones
Use this map to find the stones that can be seen today or try your hand at locating the ones that have't been found yet. Please note that some of the stones are on private property and they should not be accessed.
The red dots are stones that have been found.
The blue dots are ones that have yet to be located. Good luck in your search!
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum would like to say a very special thank you to Ted Rumble. He has been trying to locate the Ordnance Boundary Stones in Niagara-on-the-Lake and has researched their significance in the hopes that they might be preserved one day. To learn more about the Ordnance Boundary Stones and Ted's Research, watch his lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfFxIq0E1rk&t=1s
