Robert Runchey was granted land in Louth Township in 1791 after serving in the British army during the American Revolution.  This plaque marks the site of an inn built in 1793, which Robert bought in 1802.  "Runchey's Tavern" was a well-known coach stop and local landmark.  During the war of 1812 it was a meeting place for troops. 

Robert became an officer in the Lincoln Militia, and then became captain of a company of black volunteers from the Niagara Peninsula.  He commanded the "Colored Corps" from its formation in the fall of 1812 until the winter of 1812-1813.  Runchey died in 1819, but his tavern survived until the 1970s when it was damaged by fire and torn down.  Only vestiges of its foundation, driveway and landscaping are left to honour the memory.  The Niagara Heritage Commemorative Committee placed the plaque between two sets of lovely old European horse chestnut trees.  If only trees could talk...