Fort Mississauga

Fort Mississauga is a military fortification in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a square brick tower positioned within star-shaped earthwork defenses along the Niagara River shoreline. The grounds feature open green space surrounding the structure and offer direct views across the water to the United States side.

Built between 1814 and 1816, this fort replaced Fort George and was designed to defend against Fort Niagara across the river. Its construction followed the destruction of the nearby town of Newark during the War of 1812.

The structure was built using materials from the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes and bricks salvaged from Newark after its destruction in 1813. This reuse tells a story of rebuilding and adaptation following wartime destruction.

The fort is located on Queen Street in central Niagara-on-the-Lake and is open daily at no charge, though visitors should watch for golf balls from the adjacent course. The grounds are open to walk freely, and pathways are easy to navigate throughout the year.

It stands as Canada's only surviving example of a square tower fortification built within star-shaped earthwork defenses, a construction method rarely seen elsewhere in the region. This uncommon design makes it a rare example of military engineering from the early 1800s.