Lacolle Mills Blockhouse facts for kids
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| Established | ~1781 |
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| Location | Lacolle, Quebec |
The Lacolle Mills Blockhouse (in French, Blockhaus de la Rivière-Lacolle) is an old military building and a museum. It stands next to the Lacolle River near the village of Lacolle, Quebec, in Canada. This historic building played an important role in protecting the area long ago.
Contents
History of the Blockhouse
Building a Defense Post
The Lacolle Mills Blockhouse was built around 1781. At that time, Canada was part of the British colonies. The blockhouse was an important part of the British defense system. It helped protect a stone watermill and a lighthouse along the Lacolle River.
A Military Outpost
This blockhouse served as a military outpost for the British Army. Soldiers stationed here helped protect the region of Le Haut-Richelieu Regional County Municipality and Lake Champlain. It was a key spot for keeping an eye on the border.
Becoming a Historic Site
In 1923, the Lacolle Mills Blockhouse was recognized as a special place. It became part of the Battle of Lacolle Mills (1814) National Historic Site of Canada. Later, in 1960, it was named a cultural heritage building. This means it's an important part of Quebec's history and is protected.
What the Blockhouse Looks Like
Building Materials and Design
The Lacolle Mills Blockhouse is a square building with two floors. It's made from strong wood using a method called timber framing. The second floor sticks out over the first floor, which is called being cantilevered. The roof is shaped like a pavilion.
Strong Walls and Features
The blockhouse is built on land that looks over the Lacolle River. Its design was simple enough that it didn't need highly skilled builders. The walls are made of large, squared wooden logs stacked on top of each other. These walls have small openings called loopholes. These allowed soldiers to shoot at enemies while staying safe inside. In the middle of the blockhouse was a stone hearth, which was like a fireplace, to keep everyone warm.
Many Blockhouses Like This
The British military built more than 25 forts like this one. They were built in Lower Canada (which is now part of Quebec) between 1760 and 1840. These blockhouses were a common way to defend important areas.
The War of 1812 and the Blockhouse
Two Important Battles
During the War of 1812, the Lacolle Mills Blockhouse was the site of two battles. These were the Battle of Lacolle Mills (1812) and the Battle of Lacolle Mills (1814).
The Battle of Lacolle Mills (1812)
The first battle in 1812 was a short fight. A small group of Canadien Militia soldiers defended the blockhouse. They had help from Kahnawake Mohawk warriors. They successfully protected the blockhouse from an American invasion force led by Major General Henry Dearborn.
The Battle of Lacolle Mills (1814)
The second battle in 1814 was much bigger. About 80 British soldiers from the 13th Regiment of Foot and a special rocket team defended the blockhouse. They were later joined by more Canadian soldiers, including the Canadian Voltigeurs. They successfully defended the blockhouse and the stone watermill. They faced a much larger American force of 4,000 men led by Major General James Wilkinson. This battle showed how strong the blockhouse was.
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