Ball’s Falls: Niagara’s Historic Industrial Hub

Undisturbed Heritage

Creek East-Side Ball’s Falls offers visitors a largely undisturbed, historically important site of industry and settlement in early Niagara dating back to the early 19th Century, as well as a rich and diverse set of archaeological resources dating back more than 2,000 years. This remarkable site not only preserves the industrial heritage of early Niagara but also serves as a vital educational resource for visitors and researchers alike. The preservation efforts have ensured that the historical integrity and natural beauty of the area remain intact, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Moreover, ongoing archaeological studies continue to reveal new insights into the lives of the indigenous peoples and early settlers who inhabited this land.

The buildings present an impressive assemblage of related structures, both industrial and domestic, spanning the full 19th century and early decades of the 20th century. These structures collectively illustrate the evolution of architectural styles and community development over more than a century. Each building tells a story of the people who lived and worked there, reflecting the social and economic changes of the times. The careful restoration and maintenance of these buildings allow visitors to experience a tangible connection to the past.

Buildings at Ball’s Falls include the Ball Home built in 1846 and presented today as a 1920’s home; Privy/Tool Shed; Smoke House; Ball Family Barn; Display Barn; Bake Oven; Grist Mill built in 1809; St. George Church built in 1864 and moved from Hannon in 1973; Restored Lime Kiln built in 1886; Woolen Mill Ruins built in 1824 and operated until 1886; Fairchild or Troup-Secord Log Cabin moved from Jordan Station in 1963; Furry Cabin moved from Wainfleet Township, and the White House built in 1856 as a tenant building, now used for programming as the Field Centre. These structures collectively illustrate the evolution of architectural styles and community development over more than a century. Each building tells a story of the people who lived and worked there, reflecting the social and economic changes of the times. The careful restoration and maintenance of these buildings allow visitors to experience a tangible connection to the past.

The hamlet, also considered an Ontario ghost town, was known as Ball’s Mills, Louth Mills, Glen Elgin—and finally, as Ball’s Falls because of the two Twenty Mile Creek cataracts on the property. George Ball constructed grist, saw, and woolen mills, which led to the growth of one of the first communities in this area. In the mid-1800s, however, significant developments such as the railway and the Welland Canal led to the rapid growth of other villages below the escarpment, and by the turn of the century, most of the activity at Ball’s Falls had ceased. Over time, the hamlet witnessed significant changes due to industrial advancements and transportation developments. The decline of Ball’s Falls as a commercial hub was influenced by broader regional shifts, including the rise of nearby towns and changes in trade routes. Today, the site stands as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of early settlements and the impact of technological progress on small communities.

Restored and maintained by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Ball’s Falls occupies over 80 hectares (200 acres) of the original 480 hectares (1,200 acres) purchased by the Ball brothers. In addition to the restored buildings, traces of the original hamlet have been left intact and visitors can enjoy a well-marked walking tour of the original community. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has played a crucial role in protecting this heritage site, ensuring that both the natural environment and historical structures are preserved for future generations. Visitors can explore extensive trails, participate in educational programs, and engage with interactive exhibits that highlight the cultural significance of Ball’s Falls. The site also supports local biodiversity, making it a valuable ecological as well as historical destination.

The Ball Family Settlement

Following the American Revolution, Jacob Ball and his family, like other United Empire Loyalists, were forced to flee their home and potash works in the Mohawk Valley, near Albany, New York. In recognition of their loyalty to the British Crown and personal losses suffered during the conflict, the Ball family was issued Crown land grants in Niagara by 1783. The story of the Ball family is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Loyalists in Canada, illustrating themes of resilience, adaptation, and community building. Their journey from the United States to Niagara reflects the complex political and social dynamics of the post-Revolutionary period. The land grants they received were instrumental in shaping the early development of the Niagara region.

John and George Ball were among the soldiers who received land for their loyalty. A total of 1,200 acres (4.9 km²) of land was sold to the Ball brothers in October 1807, including two waterfalls where the Twenty Mile Creek passes over the Niagara Escarpment, the lower falls 90 feet (27 m) high and the upper falls 35 feet (11 m) high. By 1809, they had already built a grist mill at the lower falls. Eventually there were 2 sawmills in the area, one was on the bluff of the lower falls (1816) and the other, built later, was located on the 20 Mile Creek, south of today’s Highway 8. Their entrepreneurial spirit and industriousness laid the foundation for a thriving community centered around the natural resources of the Niagara Escarpment. The mills they established not only provided essential services but also attracted a variety of skilled workers, contributing to the economic growth of the area. The strategic location of the waterfalls was key to harnessing water power for industrial use, a common practice in the 19th century.

There were many different skilled trades people working on site by the mid-1800s, including a blacksmith, cooper, tailor, weaver, butcher and spinners. By 1852 the population of Glen Elgin reached 19 residents. This diverse group of artisans and laborers formed the backbone of the local economy, supporting the community’s needs and fostering a vibrant social fabric. Their crafts and trades were essential for daily life and helped sustain the settlement through changing economic conditions. The presence of such skilled workers indicates a well-established and self-sufficient community during that era.

In the 1850s, the Great Western Railway siphoned most commerce away from Glen Elgin, and the settlement was gradually abandoned. In 1962, Manly Ball sold an area of 110 acres (0.45 km²) to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The arrival of the railway marked a turning point in the region’s economic landscape, redirecting trade and transportation routes away from Glen Elgin. This shift contributed to the gradual decline and eventual abandonment of the settlement. Despite this, the legacy of Glen Elgin and Ball’s Falls continues to be preserved through conservation efforts and historical recognition.

Ball’s Falls is now designated as an Historical Park in the Niagara Escarpment Plan. The bedrock gorge is also recognized as a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest (ANSI). This designation highlights the importance of preserving both the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The site attracts historians, nature enthusiasts, and tourists, all eager to explore its unique combination of geological features and historical landmarks. Ongoing conservation initiatives ensure that Ball’s Falls remains a protected and cherished destination for generations to come.