The Founding of Queenston
Following the loss, after the American Revolution, of the Niagara River's east bank, a new portage around Niagara Falls was established in the 1780s' with Queenston its northern terminus. Wharves, storehouses and a block-house were built. Robert Hamilton, a prominent merchant considered the village's founder, operated a thriving trans-shipment business. Known as the "Lower Landing", it was named "Queenston" by Lieut.-Governor Simcoe. During the War of 1812 the village was badly damaged. Here lived such well-known figures as Laura Secord and William Lyon MacKenzie. Despite loss of commerce following the opening of the Welland Canal in 1829, Queenston later served as a terminus for the province's first horse-drawn railway. Queenston was incorporated into the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1970.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.