The Government of Canada recognizes the National Historic Significance of the War of 1812 Shipwrecks

News Release

October 18, 2017                           Kingston, Ontario                                         Parks Canada

Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.

Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada today commemorated the importance of the War of 1812 Shipwrecks as a site of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Together, the HMS Prince Regent, Princess Charlotte, and St. Lawrence were the most powerful British warships built in Canada during the War of 1812.  The HMS St. Lawrence, was the largest and most heavily-armed warship of its time serving on fresh water. Its appearance on the waters of Lake Ontario gave the British control of the lake without having to fire a shot in anger.

Built in the dockyards at Kingston, these ships are a tangible reminder of the Royal Navy’s substantial shipbuilding program during the war, and the rapid mobilization of supplies, skills, and labour from both British North America and Britain to build ships adapted to the conditions of the lake. No longer needed following the terms of disarmament in the Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817), the three ships became shipwrecks in Kingston’s Harbour.

Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

This year also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada. 

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Quotes

“I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the War of 1812 Shipwrecks. These shipwrecks played a vital role in one of our nation’s most defining conflicts. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the War of 1812 Shipwrecks and the important role that the Royal Navy and Kingston played securing Canada’s place as an independent nation.”

Mark Gerretsen,
Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

Quick Facts

  • All three wrecks lie in Kingston’s Harbour. HMS Princess Charlotte and HMS Prince Regent are located in Deadman Bay, while HMS St. Lawrence was sunk at the old Morton Brewery (now the Tett Centre). 

  • Public interest in the War of 1812 Shipwrecks dates back to the 1880s, when the HMS St. Lawrence was targeted for souvenir salvage. In the 1930’s, artefacts were salvaged for an exhibit at the newly opened Fort Henry Museum and, in 1951-1952, the wrecks were the subject of one of the first underwater archaeological studies in Canada. 

  • Today, divers and underwater archaeologists continue to investigate these important shipwrecks which are testament to over 200 years of peace with our southern neighbour.

  • Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.

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Contacts

Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada
bruce.macmillan@pc.gc.ca
613-923-5261, extension 122

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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