Perth, ON – The City of the Last Duel
A shot rings out, and a man lies dead near the shore of the Tay River… a gentleman’s face-off gone wrong. Welcome to the home of the last duel!
Historic Perth, a once important center of Eastern Ontario, is a city almost entirely composed of Scottish crafted Ottawa Valley limestone. Within its ancient confines one will find a terminus of the Rideau Canal waterway, ancient cemeteries, well kept parks and the site of Ontario’s last fatal duel. Welcome to Perth, where history blends seamlessly into your Rideau getaway!
Fun Fact: The town’s motto “Pro Rege, Lege et Grege” (“For the King, the Law and the People”) is shared with the city of Perth in Scotland.
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History
Established in 1816, it was at first but a humble military settlement, brought about by the War of 1812. The name came from the Governor-General Sir Gordon Drummond, who originated from Perthshire (aka county of Perth in Scotland). The settlers were military veterans both British and foreign, but were soon supplemented by Scottish civilian settlers. These Scottish immigrants were stonemasons who worked their humble yet vital craft along the Rideau Canal (and the Canal locks themselves) as well as in the town of Perth itself.
In 1824, the settlement then became a municipality (self-governance) and propelled by the completion of the Rideau canal becomes the military, judicial, political and social capital of Eastern Ontario. Even in later years as a lumber city called Bytown (Ottawa) took shape, Perth retained much of its prestige, and to become a lawyer people had to travel from Bytown to Perth – thus making the town a judicial center of Ontario and a n esteemed place of learning for many years.
Today, Perth is but a regional hub with little importance outside of Lanark County. Yet, Perth is once again teeming with people as the city is renowned for its beauty and serves as a tourism center.
Nearby Towns (Worth a Visit)
Carelton Place
This old mill town on the Mississippi River has recently revitalized becoming an exburb of Ottawa. Worth a short stop off for the quality of its historic core. For more info click here.
Merrickville
A major port on the Rideau Canal, Merrickville was once an industrial powerhouse for the age of waterpower. Today you will find the remnants of this activity just outside the stone built remnants of a small downtown core. For more info click here.
Smith Falls
The industrial age equivalent of Merrickille, Smith Falls was built for the railroad age. For more info click here.
Westport
In the shadow of Foley Mountain, Westport is as inviting Eastern Ontario town built on a stunning lakefront. In many ways this picturesque town with towering church spires is almost like something you would find in the foothills of Vermont. For more information on this quaint town click here.
Port Elmsley
This tiny hamlet makes the list as it has a drive in theater. It is well worth attending if staying a night in Perth.
What to do in Perth
Visit the Historic Center
The historic center of Perth is filled with stately buildings and imposing stone homes, hosting many fine businesses. This area can roughly be decided in three. A central area located where the Tay River splits in two. This area consists of Stewart Park and the Main commercial street. To the south you will find that the commercial artery has turned into a residential area with government services and the pioneer cemetery. To the north you will find a continuation of the commercial services.
South of the Tay
On the east side of the Tay River you will find the McMartin House an imposing 19th century mansion belonging to a member of the old Tory/Loyalist elite of Eastern Ontario. Mr. Martin was the first practising lawyer in Perth and the fruits of his labour helped him build this Georgian beauty.
Opposite to this home you will find a historic signpost dedicated to Alexander William Morris, an important Lawyer and member of Canadian Parliament. Perth produced an prodigious amount of politicians, owing to the fact that many of the members of Canadian parliament were lawyers in early confederation and Perth was a center of learning for members of the judicial profession..
Another property of interest is that of the Ontario Court of Justice, located within the confines of an old stone building. This still operational courthouse adjoins a small stone jailhouse.
The various homesteads in this part of the town are quite gorgeous and are surrounded by the spires of the many churches of the city.
Stewart Park (and the Horse Racing Monument)
One of the gems of old Perth, this park was a 1947 donation to the city and features gardens, bridges, walking paths and treed picnic with a backdrop of stone buildings areas along the Tay River.
The park offers a fantastic view of the old town Hall located on the Main Street.
The park ties in with Codd park on the north side of the Tay river. A narrow bridge will cary you across.
At the edge of Codd’ Park you will find Code’s Mill On The Park. This stunning stone structure is now a restoration, yet in front of it lies a tribute to one of Perth’s most famous residents – this one non-human!
This is of course Big Ben, the first horse to win back to back world championships among a series of other victories. The statue does look quite elegant! The mill building itself was constructed in the 1840’s and produced socks until the early 20th century.
Central Perth
The main street of Perth where some if its finest stone buildings and businesses are located, including the famous Perth town hall with its distinctive white belltower. This century old streetscape is among the prettiest in Ontario.
One of my favorite parts of the downtown is the Tay river chanel, lined by stone buildings including an old mill house not far from the home of the The Mammoth Cheese. The waterfront location is an excellent place to grab a pint! You will also find a larger water pond with a fountain at its center!
Last Duel Park and the Pioneer Cemetery
On the shores of the Tay River, you will find an interesting piece of Canadian history – albeit there is nothing of it to see per say – the site of Canada’s last fatal duel. Typical of this sort of event, the two participants were love-struck young men and law students (Robert Lyon and John Wilson), fighting over a woman (Elizabeth Hughes). The year is 1833, and a strict code of honour pits the old friends against each other – a jealous Wilson and a prideful Lyon. The first shot misses but Lyons falls on the second… dead, his right lung pierced.
His body was later moved to nearby Pioneer Cemetery, only roughly 100 meters from where he fell. Strangely enough the once jilted Wilson would later marry Elizabeth, the same woman who had one rejected his advances. The pistols can now be found at the Perth Museum (having once been stolen and buried in front of city hall). If you wish to visit Lyons grave, the cemetery is a time capsule of early Perth history, the eerie burial ground having seen service as early as 1817. On lyons grave you will see the faded following inscrpitiom: “Friendship Offering Dedicated To the Memory of ROBERT LYON, Student at law. He fell in mortal combat, 13 of June 1833 in the 20th year of his Age, Requieseat in Pace.”
Perth Wildlife Reserve (Tay Marsh Lookout)
Just south-west of the city you will find a short trail with a lookout trail that gives the viewer a look at the Tay Marsh. This is a novice level walk is a mere 3km’s.
Conclusion
Perth may be tucked into its corner of the world, inland and away from the St. Lawrence Seaway, yet it has a wealth of things to do! In essence the town should be an integral part of any trip down the Rideau between Ottawa and Kingston.
