Amherstburg is a town near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. In 1796, Fort Malden was established here, stimulating growth in the settlement. The fort has been designated as a National Historic Site.
The town is approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of the U.S. city of Detroit, Michigan, facing Wyandotte, Grosse Ile Township, Brownstown Charter Township, Trenton, and Gibraltar, Michigan.
Amherstburg was incorporated as a town in 1878. The town is named after Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, commander of the British forces and first British Governor General of the Province of Quebec (1760). (Wikipedia)
In 2017, during Canada’s 150th Anniversary celebration Amherstburg was stirred into a controversy when it allowed its several fire hydrants to be painted with artworks, departing from the conventional colour yellow.
For more than 20 years the Town of Amherstburg has allowed many of the typically yellow hydrants in the downtown to be turned into art. “It is beautiful. It does bring out the heritage in the town,” said one concerned resident “However, it does go against the code. Rules are in place for a reason.” (CBC News)
During our recent road trip to Essex County, we stayed overnight at Amherstburg and were able to take photos of 8 out of 13 painted fire hydrants.
Amherstburg, Ontario – September 2, 2018
