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
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.