Art, History and Culture
Smiths Falls Municipal Cultural Plan
History
The Town’s name is derived from the original owner of the land, Thomas Smyth, and the once-magnificent falls that were diverted in order to create the Rideau Canal and the three lock stations.
The history of Smiths Falls dates back to the American Revolutionary War between the Americans and the British when land grants were issued to United Empire Loyalists who lost the lands they owned in the United States as punishment for supporting the crown. The area now known as Smiths Falls was granted to Lieutenant Thomas Smyth in 1786, a total of 400 acres. Rights to his land and mill were contested in 1824, and Smyth lost his land for having defaulted on mortgage payments. The area was then purchased by Abel Russell Ward, a self-proclaimed United Empire Loyalist, in 1825.
When Lieutenant-Colonel John By, a member of the Royal Engineering Corp., was charged with constructing a navigable canal linking Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River; he included the Rideau River running through Smiths Falls. The opening of the canal in 1832 is seen as a milestone for the area since it allowed for economic growth.
The true economic boom came after 1884 when the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed part of its line through the area. This provided a direct trade route to Montreal and its shipping lines. The population of the region increased rapidly.
Due to those early ventures, Smiths Falls has a diverse history of important industries, such as the Frost and Wood Co. Ltd., Coca-Cola, RCA Victor Ltd., and Hershey’s Canada Inc.
The rich history of the Smiths Falls waterway dates back to 1826 when Lieutenant-Colonel, John By, was tasked with the construction of the Rideau Canal. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the over 200km long Canal was built in just six years. Fast forward to 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; the first of its kind in Ontario. Being located in the heart of the Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls continues to play an important part in the preservation and celebration of this beautiful waterway.
The Rideau Canal is the best preserved slack water canal in the world, and the only one from the 19th century that still operates along its original watercourse, with its original structures intact. This engineering marvel illustrates a globally important stage in human history – the clash for control of British North America. Smiths Falls encourages everyone to experience this unique historical site!
Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum
Lanark County Genealogical Society - Reference Library
LCGS Genealogy Resource Centreis located atthe Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum11 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls.
Avaried and interesting collection of genealogical resource materials, family trees, family histories, scrapbooks and other publications illustrating local history and community events are available to the public.
TheResource Centre operates on a self-help basis with a volunteer Librarian on-site at various times or byappointment.
A$5.00 Researcher Passwill be required by the day or $25 for the year to access the resources.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
Smiths Falls Heritage Walking Tour