Murney Tower

Standing proudly on the shores of Kingston, Ontario, Murney Tower is a remarkable testament to Canada's rich military history. This Martello tower, constructed in 1846, was built to defend against potential American aggression during the Oregon Crisis. Today, it serves as a captivating museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the strategic importance of Kingston's fortifications.

The Historical Significance of Murney Tower

Murney Tower was originally intended to be named Murray Tower after the Master General of Ordnance. However, the land on which it was built belonged to the Murney family, and locals began referring to it as Murney Tower – a name that has endured to this day. The tower was constructed in response to escalating tensions between British North America and the United States in the 1840s, culminating in the Oregon Crisis. Although the crisis was resolved peacefully with the signing of the Oregon Treaty in June 1846, Murney Tower remained as a formidable defense structure.

The tower is one of five key fortifications in Kingston, designed to protect Kingston Harbour, the Naval Dockyard, the military supply depot, and the southern entrance of the Rideau Canal. Alongside Fort Henry, Cathcart Tower, Shoal Tower, and Fort Frederick, Murney Tower played a crucial role in the defense strategy, concentrating fire on Gardiners Island, the only viable landing spot for enemy artillery at the time.

Life Inside Murney Tower

From its completion in 1846 until 1885, Murney Tower was actively manned by soldiers. The ground level served as the barracks, accommodating up to 24 soldiers and one officer, or multiple soldiers and their families. The Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment occupied the tower until 1870, followed by Battery A until 1880, and Battery B until 1884. After 1885, the Princess of Wales Own Regiment took over its watch.

The tower was not just a military post but also a home. One notable resident was Sergeant Thomas Pugh, who lived in the tower with his wife Martha Mary and their seven children. Their daughter, Murney May Pugh, was born in the tower in 1882. She later became a nurse and served overseas during the First World War. The Pugh family's long military service highlights the personal stories intertwined with the tower's history.

Architectural Marvel and Defensive Design

Murney Tower is an architectural marvel, constructed from locally quarried limestone. The tower is surrounded by a dry-ditch, which was originally accessible only by ladders. Today, a bridge provides access to the tower. The walls of the tower are impressively thick, measuring up to 15 feet at the base on the southern side, which was most vulnerable to naval attacks. The walls were designed to deflect cannonballs from enemy ships, ensuring the tower's resilience in the face of potential assaults.

Inside the barracks level, two internal carronade cannons are positioned to fire 32-pound cannonballs through shuttered windows. These cannons, with a range of 400 meters, were intended for anti-personnel warfare in case of a land attack. The lower floor housed ventilated gunpowder and artillery magazines, storage rooms, and four caponiers. The caponiers, unique to Kingston's Martello towers, allowed soldiers to fire through small loopholes at attackers in the dry-ditch, providing an additional layer of defense.

The uppermost level of the tower is the artillery platform, which supports a Blomefield cannon capable of firing 32-pound cannonballs. This cannon, designed by Thomas Blomefield, could be rotated along an iron track, offering full coverage around the tower's circumference. Despite its sophisticated design, Murney Tower quickly became obsolete due to advancements in military technology and ship design.

Murney Tower Today

In 1925, the Kingston Historical Society opened Murney Tower as a museum, and it continues to operate as such during the summer months. The museum's displays include three 32-pounder cannons, period uniforms, muskets, and other mid-19th century military artifacts. Visitors can explore the tower and learn about its role in defending Kingston and British North America.

Murney Tower is part of the Kingston Fortifications, designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. In 2007, the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications, including Murney Tower, were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation highlights the tower's significance in the defense of British North America and its contribution to Canada's political and cultural identity.

A visit to Murney Tower is a journey through time, offering a fascinating insight into the military history of Kingston and the strategic importance of its fortifications. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Murney Tower is a must-see destination that brings Canada's past to life.