The story behind the red roof towers in Kingston, Ont.
Something distinct about Kingston, Ont. is its fortresses and links to Canada’s military history.
One of those important monuments can be found doting the shores of the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, the Martello Towers.
While they’re found all over the world, there are only nine left in Canada and Kingston has four, including the only one you can visit in Ontario.
Many of the Martello Towers in the region can be found with a distinctive red roof. One is a museum, called Murney Tower Museum, and has opened its doors to a new exhibit after being closed for most of the pandemic.
Museum Curator Simge Erdogan-O’Connor says that the towers were constructed in the 1840s by the British.
"The whole reason for their construction was to defend the city against attacks that could come from the United States at any time," Erdogan-O'Connor says.
But it wasn’t just a tower, this was also a home to soldiers and their families, explains Erdogan-O’Connor.
While in operation for its 40 years, two or three families may live inside, but experts have found proof that up to 22 people lived inside at its peak, and all on the same floor.
"Their private areas were separated by blankets hung up in between the beds," she explains.
The towers are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Rideau Canal and Fort Henry.
On a class tour, elementary school student Ruby Splinter says that she enjoyed seeing the history.
"That soldiers used to live here and they’d fight with cannons," she says of her favourite part.
Mom Erica Splinter says it’s her first time visiting.
"It’s just amazing for her to learn about where our country comes from and all the history we have to offer," she explains.
The museum is run by the Kingston Historical Society and runs on donations, it’s also the oldest operating museum in the city. The museum is open through the summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.