Fort Henry

An earlier fort was built here on Point Henry during the War of 1812 primarily to defend the nearby naval dockyard. When the Rideau Canal was built as part of a military route connecting Kingston and Montréal, the strategic importance of this site increased. The old fort was therefore replaced by the present structure of stronger and more advanced design which was completed in 1836 at a cost of over £70,000. Garrisoned by units of the British and then Canadian army until 1890, the fort never saw action, although it was used as a prison for rebels captured during the Rebellions of 1837-38.

Durant la guerre de 1812, un premier fort fut construit ici, sur la pointe Henry, principalement pour défendre le chantier naval voisin. Quand le canal Rideau fut construite pour relier militairement Kingston à Montréal, l’importance stratégique du lieu augmenta. Le vieux fort fit place à l’ouvrage actuel plus moderne, qui fut complété en 1836, au coût de £70,000. Servant de garnison aux unités anglaises et à celles de l’armée canadienne jusqu’en 1890, le fort ne fut jamais attaqué, mais il a servi de prison aux rebelles des insurrections de 1837-1838.