Fort Henry National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Henry National Historic Site |
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| Location | Point Henry, Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| Established | First fort: 1812–1814 Second fort: 1832–1836 |
| Owned by | Government of Canada (Parks Canada), Operated by Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries (St Lawrence Parks Commission) |
| Managed by | Kathryn Lowe |
| Designation | National Historic Site of Canada |
| Website | http://www.forthenry.com |
| Designated: | 1936 |
Fort Henry National Historic Site is a famous old fort in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It sits on a high point called Point Henry, right where the Cataraqui River meets the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. This spot was perfect for watching over the water. The fort and the point are named after Henry Hamilton, who was a Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec a long time ago.
A smaller fort was first built here during the War of 1812. Its job was to protect the important naval base in Kingston from American attacks. It also watched ships moving on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Later, in the 1830s, a much bigger and stronger fort was built. This new fort continued to protect the naval base and the southern entrance of the Rideau Canal. Today, Fort Henry has been restored and is a popular place for tourists to visit and learn about history.
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History of Fort Henry
Why Point Henry Was Important
The British military first noticed Point Henry in 1783. They thought it was a great place for defense. After the American Revolutionary War, British officers suggested moving a military stronghold and a town to Point Henry. This was because the area where Kingston is now was hard to defend. The high ground of Point Henry seemed like a much safer spot for a fort.
In 1794, Lord Dorchester ordered a survey of the area. This was to find the best place for a navy base. An officer named Lt. Alexander Bryce thought a fort on Point Henry would be perfect to defend a navy base nearby. However, the fort wasn't actually built until the War of 1812 began.
The First Fort: War of 1812
When the War of 1812 started, local soldiers quickly built a small fort on Point Henry. It had a blockhouse (a small fort) and cannons. Its main jobs were to protect the important naval base on Point Frederick and to keep an eye on ships.
On November 10, 1812, the fort's cannons helped in a real battle! They fired at American warships that were attacking a British ship called the Royal George in Kingston Harbour. This battle showed everyone that a stronger fort was definitely needed. So, in 1813, soldiers started building more cannons and barracks (places for soldiers to live). By 1820, the fort had earth and stone walls, ditches, and buildings for soldiers and supplies.
The Second, Stronger Fort
Even after the War of 1812, there was still some tension between the Americans and the British. Because of this, the first fort was taken down. A much larger and stronger fort was built between 1832 and 1836. This new fort was designed to protect the Rideau Canal, which was a very important waterway. It also guarded Kingston's harbour and the naval dockyard.
By 1843, more parts were added, like stone buildings for supplies and ammunition. These connected the main fort to a battery of cannons overlooking the lake. There were plans for even more defenses, but they were too expensive. So, they built four Martello towers (round defensive towers) in addition to the main fort. At the time, these defenses were the strongest in Canada, west of Quebec City. Neither the first nor the second Fort Henry was ever attacked in a major battle. People sometimes called it the "Citadel of Upper Canada" because it was so strong.
British soldiers were stationed at Fort Henry from 1813 to 1870. After that, Canadian soldiers used the fort until 1891. As relations with the United States got better, the need for such strong defenses along the border disappeared. The military left the fort, and it slowly started to fall apart.
Fort Henry was also used to hold prisoners at different times. It held prisoners from the 1837–38 Rebellions. During World War I, some prisoners of war and civilians were held here. Later, during World War II, it became a prisoner of war camp for German air force and navy personnel.
Fort Henry Today: A Living Museum
In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the fort was restored as part of a government project. It became "Old Fort Henry," a living museum. This means people dress up and act like they did in the past. The Fort Henry Guard was created, and the fort officially opened on August 1, 1938.
Today, Parks Canada manages Fort Henry, and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission operates it. The Fort Henry Guard wears old military uniforms. They show visitors what British military life was like and give tours. The Guard has been around since 1938 and helps keep the spirit of 1867 alive at the fort. They also have people who show what daily life was like, not just military life.
You can take self-guided tours too. Other fun activities include watching reenactments of old military drills and battle tactics. There's a Garrison Parade and a Victorian School Room. Young visitors can even join the Muster Parade, where they dress in old uniforms and learn to march! Every Wednesday in July and August, there's a special Sunset Ceremony with drills, music, and cannons. Some companies also offer evening tours that talk about the fort's supposedly haunted past.
Fort Henry is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. In 2007, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Rideau Canal.
Legacy and Recognition
On June 30, 1983, Canada Post released a stamp featuring 'Fort Henry, Ont.' This was part of their "Forts Across Canada Series."
See also
- Battle of Kingston Harbour
- Fort Frederick
- List of forts
