Old Stone Chimney

The Old Stone Chimney is a freestanding structure made of carefully stacked masonry stones standing near the Niagara River. Its square shape and thick walls show the solid craftsmanship typical of colonial-era building methods.

Daniel Joncaire built this structure in 1750 as part of the French Fort du Portage, establishing a foothold in the contested border region. After French control ended, the chimney remained standing through subsequent conflicts and changes in ownership.

The chimney reflects French colonial building methods and stands as a reminder of early European settlement in the region. It shows how workers of that era built lasting structures using stones found nearby.

The chimney sits near the Niagara River and is easy to reach by following the local bike path in the area. From this location, visitors can explore the surroundings and take in views of the falls and river.

This structure was moved to different locations over time, yet it survived each relocation while keeping its original stone construction intact. The fact that such an old building could be moved at all speaks to how well it was built.

GPS coordinates: 43.07889,-79.04528

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25