History of Ball’s Falls: From Loyalist Settlement to Glen Elgin Ghost Town

The Historical Legacy of Ball’s Falls

The area known as Ball’s Falls, situated on the Twenty Mile Creek in Lincoln, Ontario, is a site of profound historical and archaeological importance. Beyond its natural beauty, the location contains layers of history reaching back over 2,000 years, from indigenous heritage to the early industrial era of Upper Canada. For a broad overview of its status as a protected area, see Wikipedia: Ball’s Falls.

The Ball Family and the Loyalist Settlement

The modern history of the site began following the American Revolution. The Ball family, led by Jacob Ball, were United Empire Loyalists who relocated from New York’s Mohawk Valley to the Niagara region. In recognition of their service to the British Crown, they were granted land in 1783.

In 1807, brothers John and George Ball acquired approximately 1,200 acres of this rugged landscape, which included two distinct waterfalls:

• The Lower Falls: Standing 27 meters (90 feet) high.
• The Upper Falls: Standing 11 meters (35 feet) high.

Recognizing the potential for water power, they constructed a grist mill by 1809, laying the foundation for a thriving industrial community.

The Rise and Fall of Glen Elgin

In the mid-19th century, the settlement—known at various times as Ball’s Mills, Louth Mills, and Glen Elgin—became a bustling center of trade. At its peak in the 1850s, the village was home to a variety of skilled tradespeople, including blacksmiths, weavers, and coopers.

However, the industrial prominence of Glen Elgin was short-lived. The construction of the Great Western Railway and the development of the Welland Canal redirected trade routes away from the escarpment toward towns in the valley below. By the early 20th century, most commercial operations had ceased, leaving behind what many now describe as an Ontario “ghost town.”

Preserved Architecture and Heritage Sites

Today, the site serves as an open-air museum of 19th-century life. The buildings, which are now maintained and curated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), offer a glimpse into the domestic and industrial past of the region. Notable structures include:

• The Ball Grist Mill (1809): The industrial heart of the original settlement.
• The Ball Family Home (1846): Representing the domestic life of the era.
• St. George’s Church: A historic building moved to the site in 1973 to ensure its preservation.
• The Woolen Mill Ruins: Standing as a testament to the area’s early manufacturing efforts.
• Heritage Cabins: Including the Fairchild and Furry cabins, which illustrate early pioneer housing.

Conservation and Modern Status

In 1962, the legacy of the Ball family transitioned into public hands when Manly Ball sold 110 acres to the NPCA. This began a new era of stewardship. Today, Ball’s Falls is designated as a provincially significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and is a key feature within the Niagara Escarpment Plan.

While the land and buildings are managed by the official conservation authority, the geographic area remains a destination for those interested in the intersection of Ontario’s natural geography and its colonial history.

Historical data compiled from public records, geographical archives, and independent research. For official museum hours and guided tours, please contact the NPCA.

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