Fort Wellington was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route between Montreal and Kingston from possible attack by the United States. It was called into service again in 1838 when invasion from the United States was once more imminent. The fort continued to be used for military purposes, with occasional periods of abandonment, until it was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1923 to be opened to the public as an historic site.
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Fort Kids Day Camp 2010
Every Tuesday from July 13th to August 17th, children ages 7-12 are invited to make history come alive as they travel back in time to the year 1840 when the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment and their families occupied the Fort.
Each day is a new adventure as various fort themes are explored through hands-on activities.
Here is a list of the various theme days that will take place in 2010
July 13 - Cooking Day: Treat your taste buds to traditional recipes cooked over an open fire. Participants help prepare an historic meal and make beeswax candles
July 20 - Pirates Day: Aarr Matey! Become a pirate, hunt for buried treasure and learn about Prescott's nautical past.
July 27 - Daily Life: Travel back in time and experience life in the 1840's. Participants get a taste of daily routine through period dress, snacks and activities.
August 3 - Games Day: Have fun playing period games like lacrosse, cricket and Nine Man Morris.
August 10 - Archaeology Day: Dig in! Children become archaeological detectives and unearth the mysteries of Fort Wellington.
August 17 - Soldiers Day: Enlist and learn about military life at Fort Wellington. Children will take part in a mock battle, cannon training and watch a rifle demonstration.
Each session runs from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Space is limited to 30 participants per day. A $12.00 registration fee applies for each session. Please register as soon as possible as spots fill quickly.
For more information and to register please contact Emily Sine or Leslie MacPherson between 10:00am and 5:00pm at (613) 925-4746
Christmas in July - July 24th-25th 10am-5pm
Summer heat getting you down? Finding yourself wishing for the brisk air, sweet smells, and beautiful decorations of Christmas? Look no further than Fort Wellington. Come out an enjoy period activities, period refreshments, Christmas carols, as well as a guided tour and cannon firing at 1:30 pm.
Battle of the Windmill
During a four-day period in November, 1838 British troops and local militia defeated an invasion force of 300 American " Hunters " and Canadian rebels. The Battle of the Windmill victory prevented the invasion force from capturing Fort Wellington, Ontario, and cutting the St. Lawrence communications link, which would have left Upper Canada open to invasion.
