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Port Dalhousie was the northern terminus of the Welland Canal
from 1829 to 1932. This canal connected Lakes Ontario and
Erie, thus bypassing Niagara Falls. The original rear range
light was built in 1852. The front range light was built in
1879. The rear range light was rebuilt in 1893 and 1898.
Fire destroyed the original structure, and lightning
destroyed the second.
By the turn of the century, the port was a popular
destination for vacationers from Toronto, who enjoyed the
beautiful parks and beaches of the area. In 1932, the
Welland Canal's northern terminus was moved to Port Weller,
and the importance of Port Dalhousie diminished. The lights
were automated in 1968, and the rear range light was
deactivated in 1988. Today, the port is a quiet town, but the
location is as scenic as it was in its heyday. As of summer
1999, the rear range light was in use by the Niagara College
Sailing School.
Great Lakes Lighthouses - American and Canadian, Oleszewski, p. 31
A Traveler's Guide to 100 Eastern Great Lakes Lighthouses, Penrose p. 87
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