Residential (Historic Stamford Centre)

'Whirlpool House' was built in 1799. This roadside (Portage Road) inn was a popular place to hold meetings and social affairs as well as catering the weary travelers on the portage road.

Dating to 1788, this 'trail' (Portage Road) was the only one to cross settlers land from Queenston to the north, and Chippawa to the south. The mighty 'Falls' themselves prevented any direct water route from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario (before the building of 'The Welland Canal') so supplies had to be transported overland. It was to be known as the "portage road".

The portage road would become a vital transportation link during 'The War of 1812' and for the future settlement and development of the Niagara Peninsula.