Navigating the Niagara Portage
A Tapestry of Trade, Military Strategy, and Geopolitical Shifts in Canada's History
Lauren Willis
Niagara - 2024
The Niagara Portage stands as a testament to the interplay between geography, commerce, and geopolitics in the historical development of Canada. It was a historical transportation route used by Indigenous Peoples and later European explorers and settlers, bypassing Niagara Falls. The portage connected Lake Ontario with Lake Erie, allowing for the movement of goods and people between the Great Lakes. This paper explores the significance of the Niagara Portage, with a focus on its role in trade, military strategy, and the broader historical context shaping the Niagara River settlements. Through detailed records and maps, this paper highlights the route's pivotal role in shaping transportation connections, trade dynamics, and the development of thriving communities. The Niagara Portage developed not only as a physical route but as a dynamic entity encapsulating adaptation, resilience, and the transformative forces that molded the course of Canadian history.
The significance of ports in maritime history extends far beyond their physical structures. Ports are complex systems requiring substantial capital resources, infrastructure, and human capital. They serve as pivotal systems in global organization networks, exerting influence on and being shaped by broader economic, social, and cultural contexts.1 Recent scholarship in port history has shown considerable growth, particularly in areas such as port labour, environmental considerations, and the impact of ports on urban economies and societies. However, one notable challenge lies in the tendency towards national or regional analyses rather than international comparative approaches.2 Despite this, the interdisciplinary nature of port history offers great potential for future exploration. The study of port development along the Niagara River, for instance, sheds light on how geographical features shape port infrastructure and operations, offering valuable insights into broader themes of maritime history and global commerce.
The early history of trade and military strategy in the Niagara region is deeply intertwined with the establishment of forts and the development of transportation routes. However, before the 1790 Niagara Portage Route, trade and military endeavours relied on an earlier route along the river's eastern side. Dating back to the pre-Revolutionary War era, the eastern side of the Niagara River served as a vital spot for trade between the British colonies and Indigenous nations.3 However, the shifting territorial boundaries following the American Revolutionary War necessitated a reevaluation of trade routes. As a result, the Treaty of Paris in 1783 solidified the new border between the United States and British North America, placing Fort Niagara and the surrounding region firmly within British territory.4 This alteration in geopolitical boundaries prompted a strategic move of the trade route to the west side of the Niagara River.
As the geopolitical landscape shifted following the American Revolutionary War, leading to the establishment of new territorial boundaries, the strategic significance of the Niagara region became increasingly pronounced. The Seneca, bound by a contractual agreement, managed the portage along the Niagara escarpment, fostering a compact Seneca community that emphasized the portage's crucial economic role in the regional trade network.5 The legendary portage around Niagara Falls, fraught with challenges, symbolized endurance, and strategic importance in helping trade. Alexander Henry's firsthand account added a poignant layer to the historical narrative, vividly capturing the intersection of geopolitics, military strategy, and economic imperatives embodied by Niagara Portage.6 His narrative provides an intimate glimpse into the profound impact of these events on individuals navigating the tumultuous currents of the Niagara River settlements during this transformative period.
With the establishment of Upper Canada in 1791, the stage was set for the flourishing of trade along the Niagara River. The Act of 1801 marked a significant turning point in the economic landscape, leading to the establishment of customs ports at key locations. For example, the need for a portage around Niagara Falls arose for trade and military purposes, with Queenston becoming a bustling port. Figure 1 depicts the portage route that was taken by individuals around the Niagara River.7 These ports were strategically situated along the overland route, known as the portage, linking the Great Lakes. The historical map of the Niagara River, depicted in Figure 2, showcases vital transportation and hydrological features, including roads, forts, and place names on both sides of the riverbank.8 This route served as a crucial artery for commerce between Upper Canada and the United States, enabling goods to traverse the lakes to destinations such as New York and Great Britain.9 Thomas Dickson, the first collector at Queenston, personifies the human aspect of this regulatory system. His role as a customs agent provides context for understanding the administration of trade along the Niagara Portage. Dickson's expertise ensured the smooth functioning of customs operations, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

Figure 1: General Brock's Monument, above Queenston, 1840.

Figure 2: Niagara River, 1827.
As the customs system became increasingly integral to regional trade, connecting Upper Canada with the United States and Great Britain, the record-keeping and strategic positioning of ports along the Niagara Portage emphasized the growing economic significance of the region. To illustrate, a ship document from 1803 bears a certificate for 18 pounds, alongside a four-shilling shipment destined for Mackinac. Dated and valued in New York currency, this document outlines the route from Schenectady to Oswego, New York, then by vessel to Niagara or Queenston, exemplifying the great record-keeping that characterized the pivotal customs system in trade.10 Likewise, the geographical significance of the Niagara Portage ensured its prominence in the trade network. The ports of entry, including Queenston and Fort Erie, became vital nodes in the customs system, contributing to the economic development of Upper Canada.11 As a result, the early trade dynamics and military strategies in the Niagara region laid the foundation for the flourishing trade networks and strategic significance of the area throughout history.
In the early years, the transportation network surrounding the Niagara Portage was intricately linked to the strategic placement of the fort at the mouth of the Niagara River. Throughout the mid-18th century, the Niagara Portage functioned as a trading post and a military outpost, combining its position as a central hub for transportation in the region.12 As populations increased in the surrounding areas, the grain trade became increasingly crucial to economic activity. The region's fertile lands facilitated the production of substantial grain yields, which served as a primary commodity for trade. However, the limited capacity of the portage to handle sizable grain shipments became evident as demand surged. Consequently, with the advent of canals capable of transporting larger cargoes, the portage gradually relinquished its primary role, transitioning into a secondary route for transportation in the region. Figure 3 illustrates the Niagara Portage in 1814 with detailed depictions of military forts, landings, and portage roads.13 It depicts the layout of settlements, including farms and agricultural areas, which would have been essential for producing the substantial grain yields mentioned. The presence of roads and transportation routes on the map indicates the infrastructure necessary for transporting grain to markets and ports along the Niagara River.

Figure 3: Plan of Niagara Frontier, 1814.
Despite its historical significance and pivotal role in easing trade and military strategies, the Niagara Portage was not without challenges. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions posed significant obstacles to transportation along the portage route. Travelers and traders had to navigate dense forests, steep inclines, and treacherous waters, making the journey arduous and perilous. Figure 4 becomes a window into the topography of the region, unfolding the challenges faced by travelers navigating the portage.14 It skillfully illustrates river crossings, offering a visual narrative of where canoes were taken out and re-entered, providing crucial insights into the coordination of the portage.

Figure 4: Sketch of Niagara River between Queenston and Chippawa, 1831.
To illustrate, the narrative of the sloop Annette sinking in Long Point Bay adds a layer of complexity to the historical tapestry. This incident, involving Robert Hamilton's ship, sheds light on the challenges and risks faced in early transportation and trade along Lake Erie.15 Robert Hamilton, a prominent merchant and shipowner, played a pivotal role in easing trade, making his involvement in the salvage operation particularly significant. The difficulties of navigating the lakes demonstrate the impact of alternative routes, like the Niagara Portage. The salvage operation led by local inhabitants, with figures like Robert Hamilton and Robert Nichols, highlights the economic stakes tied to these transportation routes.16 This narrative contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the Niagara Portage Road's historical significance, and demonstrated its multifaceted role in shaping economic dynamics, trade networks, and regional connectivity in Canada.
Despite these challenges, Niagara Portage persevered as a vital lifeline for commerce and communication between the Great Lakes. Its strategic importance only grew with time, especially as the region experienced rapid economic growth and industrial development. The establishment of customs ports and the implementation of regulatory systems further solidified the portage's role as a critical artery for trade. As technological advancements, such as the construction of canals, began to reshape transportation networks in the 19th century, its significance lowered. However, its legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of exploration and commerce that shaped Canada's history.
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Alexander Henry. "Travels and Adventures in Canada and the Indian Territories Between the years and 1776.\" Boston, Little, Brown, & company, 1901. ↩
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Figure 1. Bartlett, W.H. "General Brock's Monument above Queenston" in National Gallery of Canada (1840). ↩
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Figure 2. George, Caitlin. "Niagara River". In Map, Data and GIS Library, Brock University. (1827) ↩
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Figure 3. "Plan of Niagara Frontier." Montreal, Quebec: Engineers Office, 1814. ↩
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J.C. Walker. "Sketch of Niagara River between Queenston and Chippawa." (1831) ↩
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Cruckshank. "Annette (Sloop), Aground, 1 Aug 1798." Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Accessed January 22, 2024. ↩
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