Vrooman's Point facts for kids
Vrooman's Point is a special piece of land in Ontario, Canada. It sticks out into the Niagara River, which forms part of the border with the United States. This point is about a mile north of the town of Queenston, Ontario. Across the river, you can see the city of Lewiston, New York.
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What is Vrooman's Point?
Vrooman's Point is a natural landform that extends into the Niagara River. Its location is very important because it sits right on the border between Canada and the United States. This made it a key spot during historical events, especially battles. Today, it's known for its history and as a place people like to visit.
How Did Vrooman's Point Get Its Name?
The name "Vrooman's Point" comes from a family who once owned the land. It was likely named after either Sergeant Adam Vrooman or his son, Solomon Vrooman.
- Sergeant Adam Vrooman was a soldier in a group called Butler's Rangers. These were soldiers who were loyal to Britain during the American Revolutionary War. He was the first to own this land.
- His oldest son, Solomon Vrooman, inherited the property in 1810. Solomon lived there in 1812, which was when an important war happened.
Vrooman's Point in the War of 1812
Vrooman's Point played a big role in the War of 1812, especially during a fight called the Battle of Queenston Heights. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain (which included Canada at the time).
A Key Cannon Location
During the Battle of Queenston Heights, Vrooman's Point was where the British placed a very powerful cannon. This cannon was a "twenty-four-pounder," meaning it fired heavy cannonballs weighing 24 pounds.
- Even though the battle was a bit far away, the cannon could still reach.
- It fired at American soldiers who were trying to cross the river from their side to Canada. This made it hard for them to join the battle.
- The cannon also helped the British soldiers as they fought to take back the high ground, known as Queenston Heights.
Who Commanded the Cannon?
The cannon at Vrooman's Point was led by two brave officers:
- Captain Samuel Hatt, who was part of the local Canadian soldiers from Upper Canada.
- Lieutenant John Ball, who also helped command the powerful weapon.
Visiting Vrooman's Point Today
Today, Vrooman's Point is a popular place for tourists. A special monument has been built there to remember its important part in the Battle of Queenston Heights. Along with other monuments in the area, it helps visitors learn about this significant moment in history.
