Lieutenant-Colonel John By's House - Ottawa, Ontario
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Weathervane
N 45° 25.663 W 075° 41.877
18T E 445401 N 5030703
Plaques located in Major's Hill Park provide information on Lieutenant Colonel By's house and the archeological digs that revealed some of its content. The house is located in Major's Hill Park in Ottawa, Ontario
Waymark Code: WMYBD9
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 05/25/2018
Views: 18
The house, which stands in a good garden, overlooks one of the most beautiful spots I have seen in the country. - Frances Ramsay Simpson, 1830
Room With A View
When Lieutenant-Colonel John By arrived from England to oversee the construction of the Rideau Canal, he selected this picturesque location for his family residence. Nestled high on a cliff, the attractive house overlooked the Ottawa River, the Chaudiere Falls and the distant Gatineau Hills. Today the scenic view from this modern day verandah recalls much of the region's 19th century splendour.
Colonel By lived with his wife and two daughter in an ornate, cottage style home. Visitors to the house were charmed by the residence with its English gardens and surrounding pastures. A British officer Captain Alexander described the house as being "tastefully ornamented with rustic verandahs and truly work..."
Following Colonel's By's return to England in 1832, the house remained a military residence and was subsequently occupied by British officers Bolton and Ford. In 1848, an unexplained fire destroyed all but the chimneys and foundation of the original two storey home.
The Past Revealed
More than 120 years after the devastating fire, the ruins of the house were excavated by archeologists. The dig uncovered some interesting artifacts and provided new information on daily life at the home. Bronze reproductions have been made of some of the original household items and placed within this site. A closer look reveals the fascinating story of Canada's capital in its earlier years.
Remnants of Colonel's By's house: (
visit link)