Fort York
In 1793, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe built a garrison on the present site of Fort York. Simcoe recognized that Toronto was an ideal place for settlement because of its naturally defended harbour and its distance from the United States. Governor Simcoe decided to make Toronto (at that time called York) the Capital of Upper Canada and the government and town was established one and a half miles east of the garrison. On April 27, 1813 the American Army attacked Toronto, destroying Fort York and the temporary parliament buildings and defeating the outnumbered British, Canadian and Native forces. That summer the British returned to Toronto and built the fortification that stands today. Fort York was used as a military establishment until 1880, and again during the First and Second World Wars.Today, Fort York houses Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 period buildings. The Fort offers casual visitors and booked groups a number of exciting services year round. During the summer months, the site comes alive with the colour and the pageantry of the Fort York Guard and is complimented with tours by professional historical interpreters. During the off-season months, the Fort is busy providing educational programs for booked groups such as school, scout, guide and day care groups.
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