Historic Fort York, Toronto

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fort york is probably not the greatest fort you will ever see, but it is still interesting. it has a good museum of british army related items (muskets, uniforms, ect). it is interesting to the see the contrast between the skyscrapers, and the small historic buildings. the blockhouses are very neat, and a good example of early 1800s military architecture in north america. it also contains the oldest surviving kitchen in toronto.

people in old british army uniforms, walk around and give domostrations of musket firing.

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Toronto was originally named York. And it began right here, in 1793. During the War of 1812, US forces destroyed this fort during their invasion of Canada. Eventually, the invasion was repulsed. A new fort was built, and was turned over to Canadian control upon independence.

The fort continued to serve the Canadian Army until the 1930s, when it became a historic park. Sadly, most of the original structures were destroyed, but have been rebuilt. This is the most important historic site in Toronto.

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Fort York is the garrison created before Toronto was named such, we used to be known as York. Historic Fort York, the location of the Battle of York during the War of 1812 is the 1793 birthplace of modern Toronto. It is home to Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and is designated as a National Historic site.

Although it is now surrounded by a raised highway, condominiums, etc. it is still worth a visit ~ just don't look up and you will feel as though you have been transported back to the 1800's. This site is the standard school visit, and I remember it as such, although I have been back since my younger days.

A quick walk though of the beginnings of the military in the area. The site was of its main importance during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
On holidays they often have reanactments of battles.

This Old Fort York is from the war. This place was the starting point when the soldiers had to go out fighting.
The guide (see the picture) studied history and went into the army. He is here the whole year.
There are students in the summer who are soldiers and show how the soldiers were fighting in the war.

Historic Fort York to dig into the past. It is quite interesting to understand that everything started here and Toronto is the indian name - the colonial name was actually York. I really got a kick in this great place situated in the west part of downtown Toronto. Its quite a great sensation to be here and see the sky scrapers just 2 or 3km far and the CN Tower. Inside you can visit the smelly barracks for common soldiers and their families and the officers' barracks. The war of 1812 was against the americans not the indians....

. . . here were Toronto born . . .
more info soon