Merrickville Blockhouse

MERRICKVILLE BLOCKHOUSE 1832

This is one of four blockhouses which, with some twelve
other "defensible buildings", were constructed along the
Rideau Canal. The canal, built 1826-32 by Lieutenant-
Colonel John By, Royal Engineers, was designed to serve
as an alternative military supply route from Montreal to
Kingston in the event of war. The Merrickville blockhouse
was completed in 1832 to accommodate some fifty men. It
was never the scene of military action, but has served as
lockmaster’s quarters, a church and a canal maintenance
building. Restoration of this fine example of early military
architecture was completed in 1965, and it is one of the
two remaining blockhouses on the canal which have retained
their original forms.

Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.