Murney Tower, Kingston

Standing proudly on the shores of Kingston, Murney Tower is one of Canada’s best-preserved Martello towers and a vital piece of 19th-century military history. Built in response to the Oregon Crisis—a tense border standoff between British North America and the United States—the tower's construction began in February 1846 and was completed in November of the same year, just months after the dispute was peacefully resolved.

Part of a defensive network that included Fort Henry, Shoal Tower, Cathcart Tower, and Fort Frederick, Murney Tower played a key role in guarding Kingston Harbour, the Rideau Canal's southern entrance, and strategic military assets. Its thick limestone walls—up to 15 feet at the base—were designed to deflect naval cannon fire, especially from the vulnerable southern approach.

Interestingly, the tower was originally meant to be named Murray Tower, after the British Master General of Ordnance. But locals, referring to the land as Murney Point (after the Murney family who owned it), called it Murney Tower instead. The name stuck, leading to a curious stone inscription above the door reading "MURNAY TOWER"—a quirky hybrid of both names.

Defensively, the tower featured two 32-pounder carronade cannons positioned to sweep the surrounding dry ditch and bridge. These cannons could be aimed through multiple embrasures, covering a 400-meter range for anti-personnel defense. At the time of construction, access to the tower was likely by ladder, as no bridge spanned the ditch initially.

Today, Murney Tower is the only Martello tower in Kingston open to the public. Out of the 14 Martello towers originally built in Canada, only 9 remain, with 4 located in Kingston—a testament to the city’s enduring military heritage.