History Browser

This web page is devoted to the history of Fort Wellington from its construction as a defensive fortification on the St. Lawrence River to its designation as a National Historic Site in 1925.

The Fenian Raids led to the mobilization of about 13,500 Canadian volunteer militiamen during the summer of 1870. The militia were stationed along Canada’s border with the United States. A group of Fenians at Malone, near Ogdensburg (New York), had planned to attack Prescott but their hopes were shattered. Some 300 Canadian volunteer militiamen accompanied by field artillery arrived to occupy Fort Wellington. Nearby Brockville had 200 men and another 800 with field artillery were stationed at Cornwall. The Fenians cancelled their plans. (Library and Archives Canada, C-040161)

This visitors' guide provides a starting point from which to access information on the the history, activities, and attractions of Fort Wellington and its vicinity.

Upper Canada was invaded twice by Patriot forces in late 1838. In the east, a mixed force of Canadian radicals and American supporters were trapped near Prescott after an abortive attempt to seize Fort Wellington. In the west, invaders took Windsor, but were soon driven back.

This classroom activity consists of defining 6 simple english language words which were spoken by soldiers at various defensive forts in Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Students discuss the different meanings of these words as they are used today versus their use during the War of 1812.