List of historic places in Kingston, Ontario facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article is a list of historic places in the City of Kingston, Ontario that are officially recognized for their special history. These places are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, whether they are important to Canada as a whole, to the province, or just to the city.

Exploring Kingston's Historic Places
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Exploring Kingston's Historic Places

Kingston, Ontario, is a city full of amazing history! Many buildings and sites here are officially recognized as "historic places." This means they are very important because of their age, their unique architecture, or the significant events that happened there. Let's explore some of these cool spots!

Forts and Towers: Protecting the City

Kingston was once a very important military spot. That's why you'll find many old forts and towers designed to protect the city.

Fort Henry: A Grand Fortress

Fort Henry is a large, impressive fortress overlooking Kingston Harbour.

Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada is a huge stone fortress built to defend Kingston. It sits on a hill overlooking the harbour and the Cataraqui River. Imagine soldiers guarding this fort many years ago! Inside, you can find different parts like the Branch Towers (East and West), the Caponier, and the Reverse Fire Galleries. These were all designed to help defend the fort from attackers.

Martello Towers: Round and Strong

Kingston also has several round stone towers called Martello Towers. These were built to protect the harbour and the city from naval attacks.

The Murney Martello Tower is located right on the waterfront. It's a cool place to visit and learn about how these towers worked.
The Shoal Tower National Historic Site of Canada is unique because it's in the middle of Kingston Harbour! It looks like a small island fortress.
The Cedar Island Cathcart Tower is on Cedar Island, also in the harbour. These towers were like sentinels, watching over the water.

Fort Frontenac: An Old Trading Post

Fort Frontenac was originally a French trading post.

Fort Frontenac National Historic Site of Canada has a long history, dating back to when it was a French trading post. It was an important spot for trade and military operations in early Canada. Today, it still serves a military purpose.

Important Buildings and Institutions

Many of Kingston's historic places are buildings that played a big role in the city's development.

Kingston City Hall: The Heart of the City

Kingston City Hall is a beautiful example of historic architecture.

The Kingston City Hall National Historic Site of Canada is a grand building right by the waterfront. It's where the city's government has been run for many years. It's a symbol of Kingston's importance in Canadian history.

Kingston Penitentiary: A Famous Prison

Kingston Penitentiary was one of Canada's oldest and most famous prisons.

The Kingston Penitentiary National Historic Site of Canada, often called "Kingston Pen," was one of Canada's oldest and most famous prisons. It operated for many years and is now a historic site you can tour. Parts of it, like the Main Cellblock and the Former Warden's Residence, are also recognized for their history.

Kingston General Hospital: Healing for Centuries

Kingston General Hospital has a long history of caring for people.

The Kingston General Hospital National Historic Site of Canada has been providing healthcare to people for a very long time. It's one of the oldest hospitals in Canada. The Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site of Canada, part of the hospital complex, is also a historic spot.

Frontenac County Court House: Where Justice Was Served

The Frontenac County Court House is a historic building where legal decisions were made.

The Frontenac County Court House National Historic Site of Canada is where important legal decisions were made for Frontenac County. It's a grand building that shows the importance of law and order in the past.

Royal Military College of Canada: Training Leaders

The MacKenzie Building at the Royal Military College of Canada.

The Royal Military College of Canada, often called RMC, is a military university. Many of its buildings are historic, including the MacKenzie Building, the Stone Frigate (which looks like a ship but is a building!), and the Commandant's Residence. These buildings have seen generations of future military leaders trained within their walls.

Homes and Other Special Places

Kingston also has many historic homes and other unique sites.

Bellevue House: Sir John A. Macdonald's Home

Bellevue House was once the home of Canada's first Prime Minister.

Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada was once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's very first Prime Minister. It's a beautiful house where you can learn about his life and times.

Elizabeth Cottage: A Unique Home

Elizabeth Cottage is known for its unique design.

Elizabeth Cottage National Historic Site of Canada is a special house known for its unique architecture. It's a great example of how homes were designed in the past.

Cataraqui Cemetery: Resting Place of History

Sir John A. Macdonald's gravesite at Cataraqui Cemetery.

The Cataraqui Cemetery National Historic Site of Canada is a peaceful and historic cemetery. It's the final resting place for many important people, including Sir John A. Macdonald Gravesite National Historic Site of Canada, Canada's first Prime Minister.

The Rideau Canal: A Waterway of History

The Rideau Canal is a historic waterway connecting Kingston to Ottawa.

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada is a famous waterway that connects Kingston to Ottawa. It was built a long time ago for military purposes but is now used for boating and recreation. Several lockmaster's houses along the canal in Kingston are also historic, like the Defensible Lockmaster's House at Upper Brewers Lock.

Other Notable Historic Sites

The Kingston Dry Dock National Historic Site of Canada was a place where ships were built and repaired. The Kingston Drydock Pumphouse is also part of this historic area.
The Old Kingston Post Office National Historic Site of Canada is a beautiful old building where people used to send and receive their mail.
The Prince George Hotel is another historic building in Kingston, showing the city's past as a busy travel hub.

Kingston's historic places tell the story of a city that has played a very important role in Canadian history, from its military past to its development as a major centre.

Images for kids

Branch Tower East
Defensible Lockmaster's House (Upper Brewers Lock)
Kingston Harbour, Shoal Martello Tower
Lower Brewers Defensible Lockmaster's House
1 Baiden Street
157-161 Queen Street
223 King Street East, Kingston
232 King Street East
Administration Building /Cell Block (C-18, C-16)
Anglican Diocesan Centre
Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site of Canada
Branch Tower West
Canadian National Railway Station
Caponier
Cedar Island Cathcart Tower
Church of the Good Thief (Roman Catholic)
Collins Bay Institution, Administration Building, A-1
Elizabeth Cottage National Historic Site of Canada
Former Prison for Women
Former Warden's Residence
Fort Lasalle Dormitory
Registry Office
Inglewood
Custom House
Kingston Dry Dock National Historic Site of Canada
Kingston Drydock Pumphouse
Kingston Navy Yard National Historic Site of Canada
Main Cellblock
Murney Martello Tower
Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada
Northeast Tower Building D-1
Old Fort Henry, Reverse Fire Gallery West
Old Kingston Post Office National Historic Site of Canada
Point Frederick Buildings National Historic Site of Canada
Portsmouth Community Correctional Centre
First Baptist Church
Post Office (Old)
Prince George Hotel
Redoubt
Royal Military College of Canada Building 2
Royal Military College of Canada Building 24
Royal Military College of Canada Building 27
Royal Military College of Canada Building 3
Royal Military College of Canada Building 30a Guardhouse
Royal Military College of Canada Building 31
Royal Military College of Canada Building 36 former Riding Stables
Royal Military College of Canada Building 5
Royal Military College of Canada Building 55
Royal Military College of Canada Building 9a
Royal Military College of Canada Commandants Residence, former Royal Navy Hospital, Building 10
Royal Military College of Canada Currie Building, Building No. 15
Royal Military College of Canada Fort Frederick Magazine Building R30B (1846)
Royal Military College of Canada Fort Frederick Martello Tower
Royal Military College of Canada Stone Frigate (No. 23)
Royal Military College, Old Gymnasium
Royal Military College, Yeo Hall Mess Building
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
St. George's Cathedral
St. Helen's Complex, Stone Gables
Shoal Tower National Historic Site of Canada
Wartman House