Built in the late 1820´s by prominent forwarder, William Gilkison, the building´s main purpose was to be a warehouse for goods brought by bateaux. Prescott became a strategic location to stop due to its location west of the raging rapids once exisiting on the St. Lawrence River. In the summer, Forwarders´ becomes a visitor information centre with staff on hand to direct Prescott visitors. The public are welcome to stop in and tour the building.
The Forwarders' Museum is rectangular in shape and of rubble stone construction, covered with stucco. The gable roof is of medium pitch with simple eave returns. The building is nestled into the side of a hill so that 1 1/2 stories are visible from Water Street but the south wall facing the St. Lawrence River is 2 1/2 stories high.
The building was used as an American Consul, a lawyer's office, a Laundromat until the Grenville Historical Society took it over in 1970. It is now the Forwarders' Museum; the only one of its kind along the St. Lawrence River.
You can find more information about the Forwarders' Trade by clicking here.