Fort Henry 
A Day in the Life...
The best part about a trip to Fort Henry is the impressive acting "in-character" of knowledgable university students dressed in period costume. Tours are cheerfully led, in English or French, through the officers barracks furnished with elaborate detail, the crowded enlisted men's barracks, who lived quite communally with their wives and children, to a Victorian schoolroom (be careful where you sit!), and many other buildings of interest. The visitor comes away with a new appreciation for every day life at the fort and the place that women and children held in that existence.
The offical guide says "Visitor participation is encouraged at all times" and it is obviously meant in earnest. Throughout the day, opportunities abound for children and adults to join into the spirit of the times. In addition, there are scheduled demonstrations of military skill-- musical, infantry, and more. The fort mascot, a gullible goat, adds great comedy to the opening act where the men are called to the parade ground for review. This scene, further enhanced by the appearance of the camp cook and a few late stragglers, is simply not to be missed. Later on, the soldiers will muster a milita of children, who find great pleasure in following orders for a change.
Fort Henry was strategically built in Kingston, where three major waterways of southern Ontario meet: Lake Ontario, the Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River. During the 1800s, Canada was greatly concerned with shipping and industrial purposes of these avenues to the Atlantic. There was also concern over her not-so-friendly neighbors to the south! The existing fort was built during the War of 1812 and used for only a couple of decades. Today it has been restored to all of it's former glory, with massive stone edifices to admire and explore.
Fort Henry is open late May to early September, daily. Rates are reaonable, considering the quality of the experience at this first class fort. Student, senior and family rates are available.
For specifics about this destination you may call the fort directly at (613) 542-7388 or, for more general information about the area, call 1-800-567-EAST. You can also visit the Fort Henry Site on our can-links1 page.
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This website was created by: S. R. Smith and last updated February 10, 1997
7/13/01 8:18:41 AM