Amherstburg
The municipal town of Amherstburg has a 2016 population of 21,936 and is a “war of 1812 town” near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. In 1796, Fort Malden was established here, stimulating growth in the settlement. The fort has been designated as a National Historic Site.
The town is approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of the U.S. city of Detroit, Michigan, facing Wyandotte, Grosse Ile Township, Brownstown Charter Township, Trenton, and Gibraltar, Michigan. It is part of the Windsor census metropolitan area.
During the days of the Underground Railroad before the American Civil War, refugee African-American slaves often crossed the river to escape to freedom in Canada, after the Crown abolished slavery.
By 1869, the town of Amherstburg in the Township of Malden County Essex had a population of 2,500. When the fort was no longer needed for military purposes, the government adapted it for use as a provincial “lunatic asylum”. Its main building was later used as a Port of Entry Money Order office and Post Office savings bank.
Amherstburg was incorporated as a town in 1878. The town is named after Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, commander of the British forces and first British Governor General of the Province of Quebec (1760).
In 1998, The Town of Amherstburg absorbed the neighbouring Township of Anderdon (to its northeast) and Township of Malden (to its southeast) to form a larger Town of Amherstburg.
Amherstburg is home to several tourist attractions, including Fort Malden and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (formerly the North American Black Historical Museum). This explores the history of African-American refugees in western Ontario, who sought freedom from slavery and made their homes here.
An Ontario Historical Plaque was erected in Amherstburg by the province to commemorate Bellevue House. Built c. 1816-19, it was the home of Catherine Reynolds, a landscape painter, and her brother Robert Reynolds. Additional tourist attractions include the Park House Museum and King’s Navy Yard Park, both of which are located in the heart of old Amherstburg.
The Gibson Gallery is located in a former Michigan Central Railroad Station (c. 1896), which has been fully restored. The gallery operates year-round, featuring exhibits by local artists, the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor, traveling exhibits from Ontario museums and galleries, and student art/photography exhibits. A restored Essex Terminal railway caboose is operated as a railway museum. Gordon House was built in 1798 as a residence overlooking the Detroit River. Since being restored, it houses a Marine exhibit.
The Holiday Beach Conservation Area is one of the best fall birding sites in North America for viewing migratory birds. The 546-acre (2.21 km2) nature reserve contains over 2,000 feet (610 m) of beaches, picnic areas, a 2-kilometre (6,600 ft) trail along the edge of Big Creek Marsh. Holiday Beach is considered a premiere spot to view the fall migration of raptors (birds of prey). A ‘Festival of Hawks’ event takes place in September.
Amherstburg is a city of trade and services to support regional agriculture. It has also become known for several wineries in the area. Amherstburg Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday (seasonal). Amherstburg also has a high proportion of retirement residences and second homes.
Between Amherstburg and Windsor (the nearest local metropolis), there is no regularly scheduled bus line. Amherstburg Taxi and South Shore Taxi occasionally operate a “shared ride service” from Amherstburg to the Devonshire Mall in Windsor.
The former Michigan Central Railway/CASO railway linking Amherstburg to Essex was converted into the Cypher Systems Group Greenway rail recreational trail which now connects Amherstburg to Windsor, Essex, Harrow and Kingsville. Perfect for walking, running and cycling.
Small boats are welcome to call at any one of three local marinas that serve Lake Erie and the Detroit River.
Amherstburg Ferry Company operates private ferry service to the Bob-Lo Island residential resort community.
In the first week of every August, Amherstburg holds a heritage festival, consisting of activities at several locations around town. At Fort Malden, re-enactors depict eras ranging from the Roman Empire to the Second World War, establishing camps and performing battle demonstrations.
Amherstburg also celebrates Canada Day with a yearly fireworks display and day of family activities.
Art by the River (established in 1967), is an annual two-day arts and craft festival that takes place the weekend before Labour Day weekend on the grounds of the Fort Malden National Historic Site.
Other festivities include:
- Spring Wine N’ Hop (May)
- Beef In the Burg Barbecue (June)
- Firefighters “J Wimpy” Volleyball Tournament (June)
- Canada Day Celebrations/Ice Cream Festival (July 1)
- Gone Crazy Car Show (July)
- Ribfest (July)
- The Uncommon Festival (August)
- Woofa Roo Pet Festival (August)
- WE Harvest Festival (September)
- Cancer Walk-a-thon (October)
- Christmas Parade (Late November)
- River Lights (November thru December)
- Amherstburg Christmas Pub Crawl (December)
