Brockville Museum #TBT: Blockhouse Island

Brockville – The River of Lights kicks off this weekend on Blockhouse Island, so we’ve chosen an archival photograph of Blockhouse Island for this week’s #TBT.

Why is it that this point of land is referred to as “Blockhouse Island” when it isn’t actually an island? Because prior to 1860 it was an island!
The island is recorded as having several different names at different times. In 1816 it was recorded as “Refuge Island”.

After the 1832 Cholera Epidemic, during which a quarantine hospital was built on the island, it was referred to as “Hospital Island”. Then, after the 1837-38 Rebellions, which had raised concerns of a potential American invasion, a blockhouse was constructed on the island to defend the town. The blockhouse never saw any action, but thereafter the island became known as “Blockhouse Island”.

The island was connected to the mainland during the construction of the railway tunnel between 1854 and 1860 when rock and soil excavated from the building of the railway tunnel were used to construct a causeway between the mainland and the island. The blockhouse was removed to make room for a railway depot.

Since being connected to the mainland, the landscape and purpose of Blockhouse Island has changed dramatically from one focused on industry to one focused on recreation. This photo shows a very industrial landscape, while a visit to the River of Lights showcases a much different public space.

Learn more about the history of Blockhouse Island (and other Brockville history) by visiting the Brockville Museum!

And visit the River of Lights from November 30 to January 6!