Doors Open Toronto: Old Fort York

Things have changed a lot since this place was built and rebuilt. In fact not much of the place has changed since that cold spring morning of April 27, 1813 when Fort York was burned and destroyed during the following five days occupation of the American military force lead by the late Zebulon Pike. Also in this battle was one Ichabod Crane who lead the B company 3rd U.S. Artillery.

the only major change of Fort York is the lake is further away and Garrison Creek is no longer flows along it's east side.



Soldiers no longer drill or parade. Cannons are now just climbed on by children, and the barracks are empty of soldiers.




It's a nice place to wander when there are no crowds. Going into and out of barracks and block houses, looking at displays of life and hardships they endured. I know for a fact that I could empathize with the soldiers common lot. Only thing that probably has changed are the uniform styles and the tools of the trade. They still complained about bad food, weather, officers, troops...the usual stuff.






I have been to this fort one time before. Back around 1975 I think it was. Been a long time and I was much smaller then. I didn't realize how small some of these buildings were, I mean I think I had to watch my head in every single building.



The nice part was that there was a man dressed up in uniform of one of the units that was stationed at Fort York. He had two muskets and one rifle on display. The rifle was one of the Harper Ferry models, I forget which exact one. When there was a large enough group he did a demonstration of a muzzle load and fire. Blank cartridges only...





I actually managed to catch several shots of the formation of the smoke ring here. Well thanks for reading my ramble. Tomorrow I believer will be Montgomery Inn.

Paladin Phil