The Rideau Canal 1826-1832
This UNESCO World Heritage Site opened on May 24, 1832 to provide a secure military route between Upper and Lower Canada.
Location:
At the lockkeeper's house at Kingston Mills, Kingston Mills Road between Montreal Road or County Road 11 and Highway 15, north of Highway 401
Themes:
Industry and trade, Transportation systems and communications, War and conflict
Plaque text:
Financed by the British government, on the Duke of Wellington's advice, it was built to provide a secure military route between Upper and Lower Canada. Work was supervised by military engineers commanded by Lieut. Colonel John By whose technical ability and perseverance overcame many obstacles. Many of his Irish emigrant labourers died of a virulent fever. Traversing 126 miles of largely unsettled country between Kingston and Bytown (now Ottawa), and including 47 locks, the canal was opened May 24, 1832.
