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
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.