CanadaLinks.co.uk : Toronto

Toronto - Fort York

Modern day settlement of Toronto began when John Graves Simcoe founded York on this site in 1793. A military garrison was built here to repel the Americans - at the time, the fort guarded the only entrance to the harbour.

The Americans declared war on Canada in 1812 and attacked York the following year. Fort York was overrun and the defenders were forced to flee. Fort York was destroyed and most of the settlement of York was burned to the ground. The British returned just months later and built a new fortification – one that would hold when the Americans attacked again in 1814.

Today, Fort York is home to Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and is open all year round to visitors. Attractions include military exhibits, musical and theatre events and Fort York Guard demonstrations.

http://www.fortyork.ca/index.htm