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

Board of Ordnance CorrespondanceNiagara-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.

On the Garrison Reserve, which is more commonly known as the Fort George Military Reserve or The Commons. The stones that bound this property are #1-19. The following stones are examples of the boundary markers that have been located at this site.

Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Location View of Ordnance Boundary StoneNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone # 3

This stone can still be found today at Butler's Barracks located on the Commons. 

Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Ordnance Boundary Stone #3 Back ViewNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Close up view of OBS #3.

Ordnance Boundary Stone # 5Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #5   

This boundary stone marks the outer edge of the Military Reserve and can be found near the corner of King and John Streets. 

Ordnance Boundary Stone #16Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

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 military reserve since its original boundaries were set in 1796. This stone was placed to mark the new boundary of the Military Reserve. 

Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum

On the 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.

Ordnance Boundary Stone #22Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #22

This stone is visible at the corner of Front and Simcoe Streets, beside the golf course path. This marker marks the boundary of the Mississagua Reserve.

Ordnance Boundary Stone #23Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #23

This stone is visible at the corner of Prideaux and Simcoe Streets, opposite the golf course and it marks the boundary of the original Mississagua Reserve.

Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum

At "Vacant Town Lot A," which today is Simcoe Park. The stones that bound this property are #29-32. Only the following two stones can be found.

Ordnance Boundary Stone # 31Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #31

 This stone can be found at the entrance to Simcoe Park, located at the corner of King and Picton Streets. 

Ordnance Boundary Stone #32Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #32

This stone can found at the corner of King and Byron Streets. The stone marked the military property that was known as “Vacant Town lot A”. 

Canada Niagara Verification Plan (1853) by Government of Upper CanadaNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum

And at lots 79,80, 89 and 90. These lots are bound by Queen, Johnson, Nassau and Dorchester Streets. The stones that bound this property are #33-36.The following stones are examples of the boundary markers that have been located at this site.

Ordnance Boundary Stone #35Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #35

This stone is at the corner of Johnson and Nassau Streets and marks the military property at lots 79,80, 89 and 90.

Ordnance Boundary Stone #36Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Ordnance Boundary Stone #36

This stone is at the corner of Queen and Dorchester Streets and marks the military property at lots 79,80, 89 and 90. 

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!

Credits: Story

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

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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