Carleton Martello Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carleton Martello Tower |
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| Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada | |
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Carleton Martello Tower
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| Coordinates | 45°15′08″N 66°04′34″W / 45.2521°N 66.0760°W |
| Type | Martello Tower |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1813 |
| In use | 1813-1944 |
| Materials | masonry |
| Battles/wars | |
| Official name: Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1930 |
Carleton Martello Tower is a historic building in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It is one of only nine Martello Towers still standing in the country. This strong tower was built during the War of 1812. It was important in defending the city through different conflicts, even up to World War II.
Today, you can visit the tower and explore its history. The site has a restored room where gunpowder was stored. There is also a restored barracks room where soldiers lived. You can see exhibits inside the tower and at the visitor centre. From the tower's roof, you get an amazing view of Saint John and its busy harbour. Carleton Martello Tower is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It has been a National Historic Site of Canada since 1930. The tower first opened to visitors in 1963.
Contents
The Tower's Story
Building a Strong Defense
Construction of Carleton Martello Tower began in 1813. This was during the War of 1812 between Canada (then British North America) and the United States. The tower was built on a rocky cliff. Its main job was to protect the city of Saint John from attacks by land. People worried about an invasion from the United States.
The tower was a round building made of stone. It stood about 30 feet (9 meters) tall and was 50 feet (15 meters) wide. Even though it was meant to have cannons, they were never put in place. The tower was not finished until 1815, after the war had already ended.
Protecting Saint John
Carleton Martello Tower was an important part of Saint John's defenses. It worked with two other forts to keep the city safe. Fort Howe protected the narrow river entrance. Fort Dufferin guarded the harbour entrance near Partridge Island. Together, these three spots helped defend Saint John from enemies.
Changes Over Time
In 1846, a special room was built inside the tower. This room was designed to be bombproof. From 1859 to 1866, it was used to store gunpowder. In 1866, the tower finally received two large cannons. Soldiers from the New Brunswick Regiment of Garrison Artillery used these cannons. They were ready to defend the city if there were attacks during the Fenian raids. These cannons were removed in 1877.
From 1866 to 1869, the tower served as a barracks. This means it was a place where soldiers lived. During World War I, the tower had a different role. From November 1915 to April 1916, it was used as a detention centre. It held soldiers who had left their duties without permission.
World War II Role
When World War II began in late 1939, the tower became important again. The 8th Anti-Aircraft Battery placed machine guns on its top level. These guns helped protect the city from air attacks. In August 1941, a two-story concrete structure was added to the top of the tower. This turned the tower into a Fire Command Post.
As a Fire Command Post, the tower helped direct the firing of other guns. It stayed in this role until August 1944. Soldiers from the 3rd New Brunswick Coast Brigade operated the tower from 1941 until it stopped its military operations in 1944.
