Laura Secord (née Ingersoll) was a heroine of the War of 1812. She is known for having walked 20 miles out of American-occupied territory in 1813 to warn British forces of an impending American attack. The story of her trek has become legendary, and Secord herself mythologized in Canadian history.
Laura moved from Queenston to Chippawa in 1835 when her husband James became a customs collector at the port of Chippawa. After his death, she bought a cottage on Water Street in 1841, where she lived with her daughters for the rest of her life.
Water Street has since been renamed Bridgewater Street.