Today, we delve into the intriguing history of a ghost town located along the 12 Mile Creek below the Escarpment in St. Catharines. In the late 1700s, United Empire Loyalists and other settlers arrived in the area to harness the waters of the 12 Mile Creek. Originally known as Murray and Hamilton Mills, several mills were constructed here. During the War of 1812, the site was also referred to as Crown Mills and played a crucial role in supplying the British forces, safely situated away from American attacks.

With the opening of the Welland Canal in 1829, the mills flourished. In 1854, Benjamin Reynolds purchased the land and established a village named Renoldsville. The village became a vital supplier of various goods to the Niagara area. The nearby Shickluna Shipyard sourced timber for masts and shipbuilding from Renoldsville.

Renoldsville thrived until around 1893 when a devastating fire destroyed the main mill. Shortly after, the Cataract Power Company was formed, leading to the construction of the Decew Generating Station in the area. By 1898, electricity generation began, and the area was renamed Power Glen, a name it retains to this day.

Though most of Renoldsville’s remnants have vanished, traces of the mills and the dam can still be seen. This fascinating part of St. Catharines’ history highlights the resilience and ingenuity of early settlers in the Niagara area. There’s much more to explore about this historic site, a testament to the region’s rich past.

Courtesy of Historical Niagara on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/nPSvSDyxGM9iRuPC/