Fort Malden
Encyclopedia
Fort Malden is a fort that stands on the remains of Fort Amherstburg
in Amherstburg, Ontario
. The original fort was abandoned by the British/Canadians in 1813 when Southwest Ontario fell into American hands. The Americans began building a smaller replacement fort on the same site, but this was unfinished at the end of the war, when the region was returned to the British Empire. The fort was finally rebuilt between 1838 and 1840 and served as an important staging area for the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot
that participated in actions around Essex county Ontario during the Upper Canada Rebellion
from 1837 to 1838. This fort lasted until 1851 when the last regular forces occupied the site. During the final days of the fort, it was garrisoned by members of The Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment
until it was finally de-militarized.
From 1859 to 1870, Fort Malden was a lunatic asylum (during which period many of the surviving trees were planted to provide shade).
Abandoned once again, the fort was acquired as a park by the Government of Canada in 1937 and remains a National Historic Site of Canada to this day known as Fort Malden National Historic Site.
The original stone barracks
still stand as well as the cooking and laundry facility that were erected during the fort's time as an asylum (it now serves as a museum building). Staff can be seen wearing the uniform of the 34th Regiment of Foot for the Canadian Rebellion period and as well the Caldwell's Western Rangers who served during the War of 1812.
, CHIN
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
.
Fort Amherstburg
Fort Amherstburg was built by the Royal Canadian Volunteers at the mouth of the Detroit River to replace Fort Detroit, which Britain was required to cede to the United States of America in 1796 as a result of the Jay Treaty....
in Amherstburg, Ontario
Amherstburg, Ontario
Amherstburg is a Canadian town near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, Ontario. It is approximately south of the U.S...
. The original fort was abandoned by the British/Canadians in 1813 when Southwest Ontario fell into American hands. The Americans began building a smaller replacement fort on the same site, but this was unfinished at the end of the war, when the region was returned to the British Empire. The fort was finally rebuilt between 1838 and 1840 and served as an important staging area for the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot
34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot
The 34th Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1702 and amalgamated with the 55th Regiment of Foot, into The Border Regiment in 1881.-Early 18th century :...
that participated in actions around Essex county Ontario during the Upper Canada Rebellion
Upper Canada Rebellion
The Upper Canada Rebellion was, along with the Lower Canada Rebellion in Lower Canada, a rebellion against the British colonial government in 1837 and 1838. Collectively they are also known as the Rebellions of 1837.-Issues:...
from 1837 to 1838. This fort lasted until 1851 when the last regular forces occupied the site. During the final days of the fort, it was garrisoned by members of The Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment
The Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment
The Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment of the British Army was raised in 1840 for service in Canada. Its members were veterans of service in other regiments of the British Army. The concern which led to the creation of the Regiment was the continuing problem of desertion...
until it was finally de-militarized.
From 1859 to 1870, Fort Malden was a lunatic asylum (during which period many of the surviving trees were planted to provide shade).
Abandoned once again, the fort was acquired as a park by the Government of Canada in 1937 and remains a National Historic Site of Canada to this day known as Fort Malden National Historic Site.
The original stone barracks
Barracks
Barracks are specialised buildings for permanent military accommodation; the word may apply to separate housing blocks or to complete complexes. Their main object is to separate soldiers from the civilian population and reinforce discipline, training and esprit de corps. They were sometimes called...
still stand as well as the cooking and laundry facility that were erected during the fort's time as an asylum (it now serves as a museum building). Staff can be seen wearing the uniform of the 34th Regiment of Foot for the Canadian Rebellion period and as well the Caldwell's Western Rangers who served during the War of 1812.
See also
- Chronology of the War of 1812Chronology of the War of 1812-Origins:-1812:-1813:-1814:-1815:-External links:********...
- War of 1812 CampaignsWar of 1812 CampaignsThe following is a synopsis of the Land Campaigns of the War of 1812. The source is the United States Army Center of Military History-Canada, 18 June 1812 — 17 February 1815:...
- List of forts
- War of 1812War of 1812The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
- Upper CanadaUpper CanadaThe Province of Upper Canada was a political division in British Canada established in 1791 by the British Empire to govern the central third of the lands in British North America and to accommodate Loyalist refugees from the United States of America after the American Revolution...
Affiliations
The Museum is affiliated with: CMACanadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, CHIN
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.