Backus Mill Heritage and Conservation Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Backus Heritage Conservation Area |
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| Location | Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada |
| Elevation | 636 feet (194 m) above sea level |
| Built | 1798 |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Website | Backus Mill |
| Designated | 1998 (plaqued in 2002) |
The Backus Heritage Conservation Area is a cool place in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. It's where history and nature come together! You can explore an old mill, see historic buildings, and even go camping. It's a perfect spot to learn about the past and enjoy the outdoors.
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Discover Backus Heritage Conservation Area
This special area is home to the famous Backhouse Mill. It also offers lots of fun activities for families and history buffs. You can spend a day or even a whole season here, enjoying everything from historical reenactments to swimming.
Step Back in Time at Backhouse Mill
The Backhouse Mill is a very old gristmill that was built way back in 1798. Imagine, it's over 225 years old! This mill is super special because it was one of the few mills that wasn't burned down during the War of 1812. It kept working until 1957, grinding grain for many years. Today, it's recognized as a national historic site, meaning it's an important part of Canada's history.
Explore the Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is like an open-air museum where you can see what life was like long ago. It has many buildings that have been carefully restored or rebuilt to look just as they did in the 1800s.
- Historic Buildings: You can visit the Backhouse Homestead, which was a family home, and of course, the Backhouse Mill itself. There's also an old church, a carriage shop, and a barn filled with old farm tools.
- Farm Life: See a drive shed with buggies and wagons, two log houses, and a schoolhouse. You can also explore a saw mill and other 19th-century industrial equipment. It's a great way to see how people lived and worked without modern technology.
- Museum Exhibits: Inside the main Museum building, you'll find cool exhibits. Learn about the Long Point Area, see how businesses operated in the 1800s, and discover stories about shipwrecks in Lake Erie near Long Point.
Learn and Play: Education Centre and Activities
The Backus Heritage Conservation Area isn't just about old buildings; it's also a place for learning and fun!
- Conservation Education Centre: The Backus Mill Conservation Education Centre has interesting displays about the local natural world. You can learn about the plants and animals that live here, and even about old traditions like waterfowl hunting.
- Camping Adventures: If you love camping, this area has facilities for both short visits and longer seasonal stays. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- War of 1812 Reenactment: Every September, the area comes alive with a reenactment of a battle from the War of 1812. It's an exciting event where you can see history brought to life with costumes and action!
- Cool Off in the Pool: On a hot day, you can take a dip in the fully lifeguarded pool. It's a perfect way to relax and have fun after exploring all the historical sites.
External links
- Backus Mill Heritage and Conservation Centre - official site
- Backus Heritage Conservation Area at Ontariotravel.net
- Long Point Region Conservation Authority
See also
In Spanish: Centro de conservación y patrimonio Backus Mill para niños
