Early Works: Preliminary Glimpses of the First Military Complex at Point Henry, Kingston, Ontario, 1812-1827
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: HENRY CARY
Page Range: 4 - 22
Abstract: In the first months of the War of 1812, work parties of Canadian militia and British regulars began clearing and fortifying the high ground of Point Henry, Kingston, Ontario. Over the next several years, the temporary works were expanded and improved to become a large military complex and the chief depot for Upper Canada. However, in the late 1820s, plans were drafted to replace the existing fort with a masonry citadel; construction for the new fortification would be so extensive that by mid-century most traces of the original structures were completely removed. Evidence of the sites earliest occupation would not re-emerge until the mid 1990s, when archaeological testing uncovered foundations pre-dating the second Fort Henry. Since then, historical research and excavations by Parks Canada have revealed more about the first forts boundaries, architecture, and something of its builders and garrison. This essay presents some preliminary glimpses of the first Point Henry complex and discusses areas with potential for future research.

Excavations at Fort Frederick, Kingston: Insights into the Design and Structural Development
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: MICHAEL G. BERRY
Page Range: 23 - 32
Abstract: This paper presents the results of excavations at Fort Frederick (BbGc-43), a British military fortification constructed to defend the Kingston Navy Dockyard at Point Frederick, Kingston. Excavation and archival research resulted in the finding of structures dating to the first phase of occupation at Fort Frederick, first constructed during the War of 1812 and lasting until 1846. Evaluation of the structural finds in tandem with archival documents allowed for the interpretation of specific use areas and the identification of the earliest fortification structures. The interpretive value of the archaeological data was hampered by the disturbance around the blockhouse structure, which had been excavated by amateurs during the late 1960s.

The Naval Cottages and Fort Henry Garrison Hospital: Public Archaeology at Two of Kingston's Military Sites
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: SUSAN M. BAZELY
Page Range: 33 - 53
Abstract: Kingstons past is rich in historical detail, whether it be architectural, political or archaeological. The staff of the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation has drawn upon the archaeological collections to develop public access to the history and archaeology of the area with the view to promote and preserve the past. In addition to a variety of workshops, the Foundation provides a well-established summer archaeology field school program. An overview of public archaeology will provide the framework for two of Kingstons military sites that have been investigated as part of this program. The Naval Cottages at the Royal Naval Dockyard, now the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), and the Fort Henry Garrison Hospital have both revealed the process of archaeology and provided insight into the past at both of these sites for the public. They have also helped to shape and refine the Foundations approach to public archaeology.

The Pivot of Defence of Upper Canada: An Overview and Structural History of Fort Henry
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: BOB GARCIA
Page Range: 54 - 63
Abstract: Fort Henrys design was the result of almost ten years of planning on the part of the Royal Engineers that culminated in 1829. The fort, constructed between 1832 and 1848, was to be the citadel of a system of fortifications intended to make Kingston the focal point for the defence of Upper Canada. The paper will look at aspects of the structural history of the fort, the only redoubt of the 1829 scheme to be built. Of particular note was Fort Henrys greatest enemy -- water infiltration of its casemates caused by a flawed design not suitable for the harsh Canadian climate. The Royal Engineers, and later the Canadians, have fought an ongoing siege against the elements, which have continued to have a serious impact on the fort to this day.

Keeping a Low Profile: An Archaeological Perspective on the Building of Fort Henry
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: JOSEPH H. LAST
Page Range: 64 - 76
Abstract: After five seasons of excavation at Fort Henry, we are beginning to understand the complexities of the 1832 construction and marvel at the scope of its undertaking. Foreshadowing later nineteenth century military thinking, the fortification design was both innovative and unique. As a hybrid between the earlier Italian/French bastioned trace and the Prussian polygonal system, it is an uncommon 1830s military work. The stealth-like nature of its profile also links Fort Henry to later fortification development. This paper discusses the nature of the fort construction, examines the magnitude of the enterprise, and suggests reasons for its advanced design.

A Selective Glossary of Nineteenth Century Fortification Terms
Volume: OA76
Year: 2003
Author: JOSEPH H. LAST
Page Range: 77 - 80
Abstract: This glossary is provided to assist Ontario Archaeology readers who might be unfamiliar with nineteenth century military terms. Engineers developed a specialized vocabulary over a period of four centuries to describe elements of defensive works. Armed with a common language, military engineers could effectively convey their ideas regarding modifications and improvements in fort design. Consisting of Italian, French, and English expressions, the terminology illustrates the lineage of fortification theory, highlights the preoccupation with defence-in-depth, and identifies the primary countries that made the business of nineteenth century fortifications both an art and a science.