Beneath this seemingly simple structure lies a tale of empires, resilience, and preservation. We’re standing before the Old Stone Chimney. It’s more than just a pile of stones. The Old Stone Chimney is a silent witness to centuries of history here in Niagara Falls.
This Old Stone Chimney dates back to 1750. Daniel Joncaire, a figure of French colonial power, built it. The Old Stone Chimney was part of a two-story barracks. This barracks stood near Fort Little Niagara. The fort protected the southern end of the Niagara Portage.
Imagine this area buzzing with French soldiers and traders. They used the Niagara River as a vital trade route. The Old Stone Chimney provided warmth and served as a place to cook. It was a central point in their daily lives.
In 1759, the British forces advanced during the French and Indian War. The French retreated and burned Fort Little Niagara. Only the Old Stone Chimney remained standing. It survived the fire and became a symbol of resilience.
The British rebuilt the fort and called it Fort Schlosser. Portage Master John Stedman made the chimney part of his house. He lived there from 1760 to 1796. Stedman was a survivor of the Devil’s Hole Massacre in 1763. The Old Stone Chimney offered him comfort.
After the American Revolution, the Porter brothers acquired the land. Augustus Porter lived in the Stedman house. Later, the house was used to house American officers during the War of 1812. The British burned it down in December 1813. Again, the Old Stone Chimney was the only thing that survived.
The Old Stone Chimney has been moved three times to preserve it. In 1902, the Niagara Falls Power Company moved it. Peter A. Porter ensured its protection. In 1942, the Carborundum Company moved it again. They wanted to expand their facilities during wartime. In 2015, the Old Stone Chimney was relocated to its current location.
The Old Stone Chimney now stands between the Niagara River and the Robert Moses Parkway. It is a testament to the efforts of those who fought to save it. The Old Stone Chimney has seen flags of three nations fly over it. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.
As you stand here, consider the stories embedded in these stones. Think about the French soldiers. Envision the British traders and the American settlers. They all gathered around the Old Stone Chimney. It serves as a reminder of our shared history. This enduring landmark connects us to the past. It inspires us to preserve our heritage for future generations.