Amherstburg, Ont, Town, pop 10 245 (1996c), 8921 (1991c), 8413 (1986c), area 11.26 km², inc 1878, located on Detroit River near Lake Erie. First settled 1784, it became the new base for the British after they evacuated Detroit. In 1796, Fort Malden was established, and LOYALIST refugees laid out a town site. General BROCK used the fort as a base to capture Detroit (1812), but it was under American occupation 1813-15. In 1837-38 Amherstburg was attacked 4 times by Rebel supporters of William Lyon MACKENZIE and was bombarded by the schooner Anne, which later ran aground and was captured. The British garrison remained until 1851.

Today secondary industries in the town include chemical products and automotive parts and it is the centre for marine salvage. At Fort Malden Historical Park, original earthworks, stone buildings and a blockhouse have been restored. Christ Church dates from 1818, and Bellevue, a beautiful Georgian mansion (c 1819).