Boblo Island

For many centuries the island you see in front of you was used for hunting and fishing by First Nations people. Called ?le aux Bois Blancs by the French, Boblo Island's key location made it a site for blockhouses during the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion. In 1837 a lighthouse was erected on the southern end; about sixty years later the island became the site of a popular amusement park that lasted for nearly a century.

The Detroit ferry terminal (seen here around 1903) was a starting point for trips to Boblo Island on two vessels that carried passengers back and forth for over 80 years.

?le aux Bois Blancs

Pendant des centaines ann?es, les Premi?res nations se servaient de l'ile que vous apercevez devant vous pour y faire la chasse et la p?che. L'?le aux Bois Blancs, maintenant mieux connue sous le nom anglais d'?le Boblo (corruption de la prononciation fran?aise de << bois blancs >>), occupait un endroit strat?gique et on y avait install? des fortins lors de la Guerre de 1812 et de la R?bellion du Haut-Canada. en 1837, un phare y fut construit ? l'extr?mit? sud; environ soixante ans plus tard, on installa un parc d'attractions sur l'?le qui conserva sa popularit? pendant pr de cent ans.

Le terminus du traversier de Detroit (tel qu'il apparaissait vers 1903), ?tait le point de d?part de trajets jusqu'? l'?le aux Bois Blancs ? bord de deux vaisseaux qui ont transport? des passagers aller et retour pendant plus de 80 ans.

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Strategic Location
Connection to Town
The Site Over Time
Fort Defences
Brick Officers' Guard Room
Detroit River Heritage
Indian Council House
Shoreline Breakwall
Privy
Major John Richardson (1796 - 1852)

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