Murney Tower

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Murney Tower in Kingston
Murney Tower in Kingston

Murney Tower is a Martello tower in Kingston, Ontario, Canada dating back to 1846. Built during the Oregon crisis, Murney (then Murray) Tower, was intended to supplement the fortifications of Fort Henry, Ontario. Cathcart Tower on Cedar Island, Shoal Tower in the Confederation Basin, and Fort Frederick on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada were part of the same strategic improvements.

Officially designated as Murray Tower, the locals called it Murney Tower, as it was built on Murney Point. Eventually the name was changed to coincide with local usage.

Murney Tower is a National Historic Site, managed and maintained by the Kingston Historical Society, who operates it as a museum during the summer months.

Although 16 Martello towers were built in Canada, only 11 are still standing, four of them in Kingston. Two of these towers, Murney Tower and Fort Frederick are open to the public and contain museums. Fort Frederick houses the Royal Military College of Canada Museum.