The Royal Sappers and Miners Plaque

THE ROYAL SAPPERS AND MINERS

In 1827 the Royal Sappers and Miners, the special construc-
tion corps of the British Army, raised the 7th and 15th
Companies to serve in the building of the Rideau Canal.
Comprising 160 skilled craftsmen and labourers under the
Royal Engineers, the companies arrived that year in Bytown,
where they built military structures and locks. The 7th
Company was transferred in 1829 to assist in the comple-
tion of the canal here at the Isthmus, the only section beyond
Bytown built under direct military supervision. Sappers and
Miners from both companies executed other major projects,
including a dam at the Hog's Back, and performed guard-duty
at various locks. In 1831 seventy-one were discharged in
Canada and several settled along the canal as lockmasters.

Erected by the Ontario heritage Foundation.
Ministry of Culture and Recreation.