Navy Island, Protected island in Niagara River, Canada
Navy Island is a protected island in the Niagara River, situated about 5 kilometers upstream from the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The island spans approximately 127 hectares and has been managed as a Wildlife and Crown Preserve by Parks Canada since 1949.
The British established a naval shipyard on the island in 1763, where they built warships like the Huron and Charlotte. In 1837, the island served as a stronghold for rebels led by William Lyon Mackenzie during an armed uprising.
The island bears the name of the British naval base that was built here in the 1700s. Today it serves as a wildlife sanctuary, remaining closed to visitors to preserve its protected status.
The island is not open to public access and can only be viewed from the Canadian shore. The best views of the island can be enjoyed from public viewpoints along the Niagara River in Niagara Falls.
After World War II, the island was briefly considered as a potential location for the United Nations headquarters before New York City was chosen. This forgotten chapter reveals how geopolitically important locations near Niagara once were.
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