Fort Wellington Hospital

302 East St., Prescott, ON

This 2 storey frame structure, built circa 1823, served two functions associated with Fort Wellington.  Originally it was used as a Commissariat for the Fort Wellington Garrison (its purpose being to provide soldiers with food and daily necessities) and between 1840 and 1854 the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment used the building as a military hospital.  It  was hired from Mrs. Jessup until it was included in the purchase of the land on which the Fort was built in 1817 by the militia under Captain Walker.

In 1839, Dr. Thomas McQueen requested a hospital for wounded men who were too  ill to remain "in a noisy and uncomfortable barrack."  Between 1840 and 1854, the building was used as a hospital for the injured and sick soldiers of the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment who were stationed at Fort Wellington until it became a residence for enrolled pensioners.  

This vernacular structure, with gable ends facing east and west, rests on a stone foundation.  A lower profile gable forms the north wall of a single storey early addition.  The building with much of the original floor plan unchanged, measures approximately 40' by 32'.  Many of the interior walls , particularily those on the perimeter, are of original plaster construction. 

The building, although disguished by its conventional appearance, is an important link with the military history and medical activities of Prescott and Fort Wellington. 

Click on the thumbnail print.

Who Are We  Location  Branch History  Local History  Executive  Membership  Houses  Meetings  Events  Our Ancestors  

Loyalist Cemeteries  Resources  Links  Picture Gallery  Special Items  Projects