Peterborough in Peterborough County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Military
1900s
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
1. Military Marker
Central Park was an ideal site for a military training area with its expansive grounds and location accessible by foot, horse and wagon. A drill shed was built in 1867 and used for band practices, dances and military activities. Drill sheds were built in many communities across Canada after the Fenian Raids of 1866. The shed was destroyed by fire in 1909, just before the Peterborough Armoury was opened.
The Peterborough Armoury officially opened on May 24, 1909. It was built during a nation-wide spending program for the militia in response to the Boer War. The Armoury included a parade hall, living quarters for infantry, cavalry and artillery, a firing range and a bowling alley.
In 1921, a Memorial Committee commissioned Walter Seymour Allward to design a monument for Central Park to recognize the sacrifice of Peterborough's soldiers in the First World War. When Allward was also asked to design the Canadian Battlefields Memorial at Vimy, the sculptor Gilbert Bayes stepped in to finish the City's memorial and it was officially dedicated on June 30, 1929. The Citizens' War Memorial now recognizes those from the City and County of Peterborough who fell during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism
this page online
Location. 44° 18.51′ N, 78° 19.272′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, Ontario, in Peterborough County. It is on Murray Street just west of George Street North, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located beside the sidewalk, near the southwest corner of Confederation Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 499 George Street North, Peterborough ON K9J 7G9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Kawarthas Northumberland Area and in Eastern Ontario. 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: The Peterborough Armoury / Le manθge militaire de Peterborough (within shouting distance of this marker); Civic Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Citizens' War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Agricultural Fair (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Capt. Edward T. Brown (about 90 meters away); Pioneer Burial Ground (about 120 meters away); The Brock Street Burial (about 150 meters away); The Robinson Settlement (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
Peterborough Museum & Archives, 2000-012-000482, circa 1905
2. Marker detail: The Regimental Band
The Regimental Band of the 57th Regiment poses before the 1867 drill shed, circa 1905.
1. Peterborough Drill Hall / Armoury National Historic Site of Canada.
Excerpt: Peterborough Drill Hall/Armoury was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1989 because: it is a good representative example from the third phase of drill hall construction in Canada (1896-1918); it is one of the largest and best designed examples from the period 1907-1909; it is home to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserve).(Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Peterborough Citizens War Memorial and Veterans Wall of Honour.
Excerpt: The City of Peterborough has a long history of honouring its veterans and maintains many memorials to those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The two most prominent are the Peterborough Citizens' War Memorial and the Veterans Wall of Honour, both located in Confederation Square in downtown Peterborough.(Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Central Park & 57th Regiment
A view of Central Park with the 57th Regiment encamped in front of the newly constructed Armoury. This image was taken from the top of the George Street Methodist Church tower.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
4. Military Marker
Looking northwest; the Peterborough Armoury and parking lot are behind the fence the background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
5. The Citizens' War Memorial
Located at the center of Confederation Square (Central Park).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
6. The Peterborough Drill Hall and Armoury
(southeast elevation)
(southeast elevation)
A National Historic Site.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
7. The Peterborough Armoury (east/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
