Amherstburg, Ontario, a town nestled near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, Canada, is a place where history and tourism intertwine. Established in 1796 with the founding of Fort Malden, Amherstburg has grown into a vibrant community approximately 25 kilometers south of Detroit, Michigan. It is part of the Windsor census metropolitan area and offers a rich tapestry of communities, historical landmarks, and tourist attractions.
Amherstburg is more than just a town; it's a collection of villages and hamlets, each with its unique charm. The town proper of Amherstburg is surrounded by communities that were once part of the former Anderdon Township and Malden Township. These include Edgewater Beach, McGregor, River Canard, Golfview, Kingsbridge, Pointe West, Auld, Delisle's Corners, Loiselleville, Paquette Corners, Rivière-Aux-Canards, Southwick, Splitlog, Amherst Point, Bar Point, Busy Bee Corners, Erieview Beach, Glen Eden, Lake Erie Country Club, Lakewood Beach, Malden Centre, Sunset Beach, Willow Beach, Willowood, Gordon, North Malden, Quarries, Good Child Beach, Sinasac Corners, The Meadows, and Boblo Island.
The history of Amherstburg, Ontario, is deeply rooted in the colonial era when French colonists settled along the Canadian side of the Detroit River. The Petite Côte settlement was founded along the river to the north. In 1796, the British established Fort Malden, a military fort overlooking the river's mouth at Lake Erie. This fortification stimulated development in the area, attracting Loyalists who were granted land in Upper Canada as compensation for losses in the Thirteen Colonies or as payment for military service during the American Revolutionary War.
The town of Amherstburg was incorporated in 1878 and named after Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, commander of the British forces and first British Governor General of the Province of Quebec (1760). In 1998, the Town of Amherstburg absorbed the neighbouring Township of Anderdon and Township of Malden to form a larger Town of Amherstburg.
Amherstburg, Ontario, is home to several tourist attractions, including Fort Malden and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The latter explores the history of African-American refugees in western Ontario, who sought freedom from slavery and made their homes here. Other attractions include the Park House Museum, King's Navy Yard Park, the Gibson Gallery, and the Holiday Beach Conservation Area. BobLo Island, a 240-acre private residential community, also offers white sand beaches, a full-service marina, nature trails, and various eateries and recreational facilities.
Amherstburg, Ontario, is well-connected with various modes of transportation. In September 2022, Transit Windsor began providing service between Amherstburg and Windsor. Commercial rail service is provided through Essex Terminal Railway. The town also boasts three local marinas that serve Lake Erie and the Detroit River, and a private ferry service to Bob-Lo Island community.
Amherstburg, Ontario, is a town that loves to celebrate. From the heritage festival in August to the annual Shores of Erie Wine Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Art by the River, and a host of other events throughout the year, there's always something happening in Amherstburg.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Amherstburg had a population of 23,524 living in 9,193 of its 9,548 total private dwellings, a change of 7.2% from its 2016 population of 21,936. With a land area of 183.76 km2, it had a population density of 128.0/km2 in 2021.
