Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site facts for kids
The Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site is a special place in Prescott, Ontario, Canada. It marks where an important event called the Battle of the Windmill happened in November 1838. This battle took place around a old-fashioned windmill that was used to grind grain. Today, this windmill is a lighthouse and a place where you can learn about Canadian history.
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What is the Battle of the Windmill Site?
The Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site helps us remember a fight that happened a long time ago. It's built around a tall stone tower that was first a grist windmill. A grist windmill is a type of windmill that uses wind power to turn large stones. These stones then grind grain, like wheat or corn, into flour.
The Battle of the Windmill
The Battle of the Windmill happened in 1838. It was part of a larger event called the Rebellions of 1837–1838. These rebellions were when some people in Canada wanted more control over their government. They felt that the British rulers were not listening to their needs.
During the Battle of the Windmill, a group of American "Patriots" and Canadian rebels tried to invade Canada. They hoped to start a new rebellion against the British. The battle was fought near the windmill, which became a key point in the fighting. British soldiers, Canadian militia (citizen soldiers), and local Indigenous allies fought against the invaders. The battle lasted for several days and was quite fierce. In the end, the invaders were defeated. This battle was one of the last major fights of the rebellions.
From Mill to Lighthouse
After the battle, the windmill was no longer used for grinding grain. In 1873, it was changed into a lighthouse by the Canadian Department of Marine. A lighthouse is a tall tower with a bright light at the top. It helps ships navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather. The light from the windmill tower helped guide boats on the St. Lawrence River. This new lighthouse became known as Windmill Point Light.
Visiting the Historic Site
In 1996, a group called the Friends of Windmill Point opened the lighthouse tower to the public. It became the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site. A National Historic Site is a place that the Canadian government has decided is very important to the country's history.
When you visit, you can take a guided tour inside the 60-foot-tall stone tower. You can even climb almost to the very top, just below where the light used to shine. From there, you get an amazing view of the St. Lawrence River. Inside, there are special displays that tell the story of the battle. You can also watch a video about the history of the site. There's even a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
The site is open on weekends in June and September. It's open every day in July and August. You can find it on Windmill Point Road, just off Highway 2. It's about 3 kilometers east of the town of Prescott, Ontario.
