FIRST - To build a grist mill at the Rideau Falls - Ottawa, Ontario
Posted by: Weathervane
N 45° 26.459 W 075° 41.785
18T E 445534 N 5032175
In 1830, Jean-Baptiste St. Louis built the first mill at the Rideau Falls, a grist mill for grinding corn.
Waymark Code: WM12X7G
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 07/30/2020
Views: 2
Inscription on an information panel on site:
In 1830, Jean-Baptiste St. Louis built the first mill at the Rideau Falls, a grist mill for grinding corn. A few
years later, Scottish born stonemason Thomas McKay erected a second grist mill nearby. Later, lumber mills were constructed at the falls by W.C Edwards, who was one of the earliest residents of nearby 24 Sussex Drive, now the Prime Minister's residence.
"When Honeywell’s lease expired, Colonel By ordered Ferguson off the island, and contracted a bridge to be built to it. Jean-Baptiste St-Louis built the first grist mill at the falls, in 1830. The island soon after became the property of stonemason and Ottawa founder/landowner Thomas McKay. McKay, who made his fortune building the first eight locks of the Rideau Canal and subsequently bought all the land that now comprises New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe Park, harnessed the industrial potential of the Rideau Falls, building saw mills, a grist mill, brewery and distillery, five-storey flour mill and cloth mill on the island. By 1843, however, the Ordnance department reported that it had received title to the island.
Reference: (
visit link)
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.