Fort York in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
No. 1 (East) Blockhouse
1813
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
1. No. 1 (East) Blockhouse Marker
Like the No. 2 Blockhouse, this was one of the first buildings constructed during the refortification of Toronto in the second half of the War of 1812.
The depression in the ground by the north wall is the approximate surface grade here in 1813; it made the blockhouse more defensible. Remnants of an entrance to the cellar area and a vent to bring fresh air into the magazine area of the basement are visible.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.
Location. 43° 38.355′ N, 79° 24.121′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Fort York. It can be reached from Fort York Boulevard 0.2 kilometers north of Lake Shore Boulevard West. The marker and blockhouse are located along the interpretive walkway at Fort York National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto ON M5V 3K9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brick Magazine (a few steps from this marker); No. 2 (Centre) Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); 8-Inch Shell Gun (Serial No. 406) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Officers' Blue Barracks
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Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Fort York National Historic Site
Also see . . . Fort York National Historic Site. Excerpt:
The Fort York National Historic Site was built in 1793 and is the birthplace of urban Toronto. The Fort served as the citys primary harbour defence between the 1790s and the 1880s and was the home of a military garrison until the 1930s. Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and its mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812. The bloody Battle of York that ensued was a dark and dramatic moment in the history of the city.(Submitted on December 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Marker detail: No. 1 (East) Blockhouse Diagram
3. Marker detail: Archaeological Excavations
This photograph shows archaeological excavations at this blockhouse, with both early-19th- and early-20th-century features. (Modern photograph by Catherine Webb, City of Toronto Museum Services)
4. Marker detail: French Wine Bottle
French wine bottle, c. 1840, discovered during archaeological work at this building. (Modern photograph by Catherine Webb, City of Toronto Museum Services)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
5. No. 1 (East) Blockhouse Marker
The marker is located near the northwest corner of the blockhouse.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
6. No. 1 (East) Blockhouse (north side)
Remnants of an entrance to the cellar area and a vent to bring fresh air into the magazine area of the basement are visible.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
7. No. 1 (East) Blockhouse
Looking east. Downtown Toronto is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
