Niagara Falls History Links
General History of Niagara Falls Links
Niagara Falls Public Library – great resource for many areas of historic interest. The link takes you to their Digital Collections which provides a view with many images in their collection along with other aspects of our past. Their database can also check newspaper clippings and other valuable references.
Brock Map Library – wonderful collection of early maps of Niagara.
City of Niagara Falls Heritage Properties
Loyalists
The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies - an introductory site, contains such information as who the Loyalists were. Also contains a search engine, the site still under construction in some areas.
Butler’s Rangers - An introductory site, the table of contents is a good source to use except they do not site their information. Much of their information is aimed at re-enactors, so there is no discernable distinction between reenactment and historical information. Primary source entries are italicised.
Black Loyalists - information on early Ontario Black History
The Story of Butler’s Rangers and the settlement of Niagara by E.A. Cruikshank - digital book
The Loyalists and Six Nation Indians in the Niagara Peninsula by Wilbur Siebert - digital book
Early History of Niagara
Journals of the Assembly of Upper Canada, First Session of Parliament. First Journal -Contains a pdf of the First Legislature of Upper Canada. The search feature of this site also allows for the searching of historical documents, but also modern publications and pamphlets.
Military History of Niagara
Documentary History of the War of 1812 by Cruikshank (Parts 1 & 2 including index) - digital book, this is a searchable document of the history by Cruikshank written at the turn of the 20th century. The series is made of a series of primary documents written during the War of 1812 that pertain to the invasion, loss and recapturing of the land near the Niagara Frontier.
Niagara Parks Commission – Chippawa Battlefield Park - introductory site and for visitation purposes
Archives of Ontario War of 1812 Virtual Exhibition
1812 History – A database of artefacts from Museums related to the War
War of 1812 Casualty Database – Great source of information about British regulars who served and died during this war. One can search for individuals and for those who died in certain battles. Locally, check out Chippawa, Lundy’s Lane and the Niagara Frontier.
The Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website
The Books of Remembrance- contains the names of Canadians that either fought and died during or after a war. These books are kept in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower at Parliament Hill
Soldiers of the First World War (1914-1918), CEF – a database of the Canadian Expeditionary Force service files held by Library and Archives Canada.
Second World War Service Files: Canadian Armed Forces War Dead (1939-1945)- a database of service files held by Library and Archives Canada
A List of Pensioners of the War of 1812 - interesting early book providing some US perspectives on the War and those who survived.
Memoirs of Captain John Lampman and his wife Mary Secord – family history including aspects of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.
The Veterans – a series of interview of Canadian veterans.
The Memory Project – Developed by the Historica-Dominion Institue, this website provide personal stories of those who served during WWII. It is also possible for new stories to be uploaded and shared.
War of 1812 – a very comprehensive overview of the War developed by the Historica-Dominion Institute and Heritage Canada.
Native History
Gateway to Aboriginal Heritage – Good site developed by the Canadian Museum of Civilization, it is helpful if you know a specific nation you are exploring before diving into this one.
Aboriginals: Treaties and Relations – very extensive site that is very useful
Genealogy
Cemeteries of Niagara Falls Database - wonderful resource
Upper Canada Land Petitions – great resource for property ownership
Ontario Census of 1871 – Welland County – Great listing for all former Niagara Falls towns and townships
The Canadian County Atlas Digital Project – Ontario Counties
Welland County Census Project – some pre1851 material
Where the Niagara Settlers Lived – a good extensive site for early family history
Transportation
A Century of Steam and Sail on the Niagara River
Niagara, St. Catharines & Toronto Railway
Miscellany
Secord Mill and Society for the Preservation of Old Mills
Spies In the Shadows- Canadian espionage history
Preserving My Heritage – Put together by the Canadian Conservation Institute, this website is a great place to find out how to care for any artefacts or heirlooms that you might own – from dolls to quilts.
Biographical index of Canadian Architects – it is what it is
Internet Archive – great source for a huge variety of information, including a large number of early history books.
Historical Plaques of the Niagara Region – again, it is what it is
The City of Niagara Falls Museums does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. External links will open in a new window.
