Ottawa History, Ontario

Ottawa is a city that is globally competent. It belongs to one of the world's technology and business centers. This city has an abundant historical and cultural heritage.  Now, let us look back to the beginnings of Ottawa and we will see how it became this successful. 

Early Settlement  

Algonquin Indians or Kichesipprini are the first group of people who settled in Ottawa. After some years of living peacefully, the Algonquin Indians were driven away by the Iroquois Indians. Then French traders came in for fur barter. 

Mid 1700's to Early 1800's 

British began to govern over the area of Ottawa in 1759. However, United States' pioneers said the land was theirs. Philemon Wright and his group were the ones who posted the claim with the Ottawa River as their prospect.  This was because they saw the latter as an opportunity for vast amount of energy. 

When the war ended between Canada and the United States in 1812, the former decided to take an action regarding security by way of strengthening the communication between Montreal and the country's western section. As a result of this, the Rideau Canal was built. This waterway connects Montreal and Kingston passing through Ottawa.  Thirty years later, Ottawa became successful because of its forest industry. This gave way to the construction of factories, stores, schools and churches.  

Developing into Canada's Capital 

In 1857, Queen Victoria named Ottawa as the Capital of Canada from among its rivals - Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and Kingston.  The construction of the new Parliament building was started at once and in 1866, the Centre, East and West Blocks were completed. 

Ottawa was not as beautiful back then as it is today. The Rideau Canal was full of wastes and debris. However, after some sprucing up and redevelopment of the parks, the city became worthy of being called Canada's Capital. 

Fall and Rise of Ottawa 

Two great fires struck the city of Ottawa. The first fire was in 1900 which started in hull but was diffused by the wind into the city devastating a big area leaving thousands of people homeless. The other fire struck in 1916. It began in the Centre Block's Parliamentary Reading Room bringing everything into ashes and taking away seven lives. However, the building of the new Parliament structure started in no time and it was finished in 1922. The new one has the original's Gothic Revival Style.

Ottawa Today 

After that event, fortunately, the city did not see more devastation. Now, Ottawa presents cultural activities for the world to see. It is also a home to a number of orchestras, museums and galleries. It became one of the most sought after tourist spots wherein you can learn Canada's History starting from the ancient time until the contemporary age.  

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Ottawa
ask now

Things about Ottawa you may be interested in

• Ottawa Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Ottawa

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

 

Read our members' travel tips about Ottawa

• Aboriginal Experiences
  travel tip by Johan posted more then 30 days ago
  Aboriginal Experience Center was indeed a great experience. Best thing is that you don't have to go deep into the country to experience and learn about the many native cultures as the Center is right there in Ottawa. They provide all...
• Turtle Island in Ottawa
  travel tip by danpop posted more then 30 days ago
  Turtle Island is great. They say it's a jewel of Ottawa and I agree. They perfectly reproduced a whole camp of the Aboriginals to share their cultures and history both with tourists and locals. The place is the ultimate Aboriginal...
• Canadian War Museum
  travel tip by szbogi posted more then 30 days ago
  Before you would step inside, you will observe the great building from the inside. It is very modern and planned by the famous architect, Douglas Cardinal. The museum houses a lot of interesting permanent exhibitions about the...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Ottawa

See who has been to Ottawa and ask them a question (membership required)

MadSuh ask a question add to friends

hudson88 ask a question add to friends

pierre44 ask a question add to friends

jmcameron ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...