Perched on the jewel of Queenston Heights, Brock’s Monument is one of the most famous sites in Canada. Built by George Heriot, and designed by William Thomas, it stands up as a symbol of remembrance for a great hero. From its beautiful dome, grand statue of Major General The Honourable Issac Brock, a marble medallion base, and stunning views of Queenston Heights, Brock’s Monument is an attraction with a fascinating history waiting to be discovered. Join us to explore interesting facts, information and a travel guide for this incredible site.
Table of Contents
1. It was designed by architect William Thomas.
2. The highest point of the monument is 121 feet (37 meters).
3. The monument was completed in 1856.
4. It is made of local limestone and cost about $13,000 at the time.
5. It is a 60 foot (18 meter) tall column topped with a bronze statue of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock.
6. A 6.6 meter tall relief sculpture was added to the base in 1881.
7. The monument is visible from Lake Ontario.
8. It is part of the Niagara Parks Heritage Landmark series.
9. The monument is a National Historic Site of Canada and a National Historic Monument.
10. It has become a symbol of Canadian unity and pride and is the site of many public events.
Brock’s Monument is a lofty column situated at Queenston Heights near the city of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. The column commemorates Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, the hero of Upper Canada during the War of 1812 against American forces.
Brock’s Monument was designed and built by Canadian architect William Thomas, and was completed in 1824, authorized by Brock’s brother, Ferdinand Brock Tupper. The monument stands 147 feet tall and is made of limestone, built on a 6-foot-high base that William Thomas designed with a Doric frieze and marble bowls. The statue of Major General Brock is made of bronze and sits atop the pillar at its full height.
The monument was originally designed to honour British military accomplishments in the War of 1812. Since its construction, the monument has come to represent Isaac Brock’s leadership in helping to protect what is now Ontario, and all of Canada, from American aggression.
In 1941, Brock’s Monument was designated a historic Monument by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. In 2007, it was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest freestanding memorial column in the world.
In recent years, the monument has served as an important site for commemoration and remembrance of the War of 1812 and the persons who died in that conflict and beyond. Every year, the Canadian Forces unit stationed at CFB Borden visit Queenston Heights on July 10 to pay tribute to Brock and other fallen heroes. As part of the tributes, the monument is open to the public and a wreath is ceremonially laid at the base of the statue.
Brock’s Monument is located in the town of Queenston Heights, Ontario, Canada. It is a memorial built in memory of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, a British military officer who died during the War of 1812 while defending the town of Queenston Heights from the United States Army. He was a hero of Canada and often referred to as the ‘Hero of Upper Canada’.
Getting There:
Brock’s Monument is conveniently located about 17 kilometers south of Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the north side of the Queen Elizabeth Way. The closest international airport is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). It is a two-hour drive from the airport.
What To Do:
There are various activities that visitors can do at Brock’s Monument. Attend the annual War of 1812 ceremonies at the historic site on the anniversary of the battle. Visit the monument itself, which stands at 56 meters tall, making it the highest dressed cut-stone monument in the British Empire. Take a guided tour and stroll the manicured grounds, or enjoy a picnic with a view of the Niagara River. Nearby sights include the Laura Secord Homestead, the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, the historic Welland Canal, and the Drummond Hill Cemetery.
Lodging:
There are a wide variety of lodging options for visitors to Brock’s Monument. The local area is home to several hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as camping and RV parks for those who wish to stay overnight.
Food:
The town of Queenston Heights offers a number of dining options for visitors, from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants. Seafood is a specialty in the area, and there are a number of restaurants that specialize in local favorites, such as crab cakes and lobster. Many restaurants offer views of the Niagara River, making a dining experience even more special.
Whether visiting for a day or spending a week in the area, visitors to Brock’s Monument are sure to find plenty of things to keep them occupied. A trip to this historic landmark is sure to be a memorable one.
Q: What is Brock’s Monument?
A: Brock’s Monument is the cenotaph of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, located in Queenston Heights, Ontario. It is a 55 metre tower that overlooks the Niagara River as a memorial to Major-General Sir Isaac Brock who died in the War of 1812.
Q: What is the history of Brock’s Monument?
A: Brock’s Monument was built in 1824-1856 by architect William Thomas, inspired by the ancient temple of Turks at Chilonis, Greece. The monument commemorates Major-General Sir Isaac Brock who was killed in the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and leadership Brock displayed during the War of 1812.
Q: Where is Brock’s Monument located?
A: Brock’s Monument is located in Queenston Heights, Ontario, Canada. It stands 55 metres above the Niagara River and overlooks the Niagara Gorge.
Q: What activities can be done at Brock’s Monument?
A: Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the Niagara River from Brock’s Monument, as well as a visit to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and the historic Fort George Military Museum. In the summer months, you can climb the winding stairs to the viewing platform and explore historical artifacts located in the visitor centre, which is run by Parks Canada.
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