The Story of Perth

Perth, often considered one of the smallest town in Canada and rightfully so. This heart of the beautiful Lanark County breathes rich culture and an age-old heritage. The Perth settlement began in 1816, and since then has incorporated its history within each building.

There is a theory as to why Perth has ended up in the middle of nowhere. At the beginning, there were two locations chosen for the town of Perth. One was where we have the Rideau Ferry Town today; and the second was at Otty Lake. The problem was that agreements between the settlers and the Algonquin tribes claimed that these areas were explicitly migratory Algonquin territory. Algonquins never stayed in one place, always on the move, but always plotted their journey ahead of them. When the settlers noticed that these areas were on the Algonquin path, they changed the location towards the north, to what it is today. The British settlers were not happy with the location the Canadians had chosen, but they kept their promise to the indigenous people, regardless.

Once the Perth location was established by British army engineers, it was layed-out as a military settlement to reinforce its troops during the war of 1812, against the USA. They began building bridges and established the heart of the town on an island. If there’s anything the army knew how to do, was build bridges.

Serious unemployment began in British North America. An emigration program was launched that offered land and support, including transportation, to discharged soldiers willing to take up a new life in the Canadas. Many of the first settlers were military veterans on half-pay, while others were military veterans from France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Scotland or Ireland who were offered land in return for their service. 

For many years Perth was the military, judicial, political and social capital, not only of the County of Lanark. The military regime lasted until 1824, when settlers were granted rights to self government.

The Town Hall:

Most of downtown Perth, including the town hall, is on the central island. During the summer and fall of 2015, the fork in the river was modified to reduce erosion and flooding downstream. The Perth Town Hall was built in 1863. It was designed by architect John Power, and built by Alexander Kippen. As was typical of its place and time, it not only provided offices and council chambers for municipal administration, but also space for a market, a concert hall, a fire hall, a police station and a post office. This building has continuously served as Perth’s town hall since it was built.

The Old Fire Hall:

The Tower is unique in that it is one of the few remaining fire halls dating as far back as 1855, and its excellent condition is a tribute to the fine skills of the craftsmen of the day. The engine house of the Perth Fire Hall was erected in 1855 and the second storey additions and the tower were completed by October 1883.

The Town of Perth understands the importance to maintain and restore our heritage buildings. With that, the Heritage Conservation District was created in order to conserve and enhance the neighbourhood’s eclectic character.

Today, the heritage downtown of Perth consists of restaurants, boutiques and antique shops, which all operate in the original historical 200 year old stone buildings that first started this town.

Last Duel Park:

The Last Duel Park is located on the banks of the Tay River. The Park owes its name to the infamous last fatal and most publicized duel to take place in Canada.

The Story goes:

On June 13, 1833, law students Robery Lyon and John Wilson duelled over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughe’s hand in marriage. The two men performed a standoff in this very park with loaded pistols and fired simultaneously. A first shot was fired but both parties had missed. Robery Lyon then, fell to the ground when 23-year-old John Wilson fired a bullet into his lungs. He later died from the wound.

John Wilson, victorious, later married Elizabeth Hughe. It’s Unfortunate that Elizabeth was in love with Robery, and  she wished he would have won. John Wilson would later become judge of the Superior Court and be elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province Of Canada. Elizabeth became a school teacher and started a family with John.

When you make your way into Perth, you’ll be amazed by the gorgeous heritage buildings lining the streets and the passageways that once served as horse lanes.

With a Scottish influence, many of Perth’s stone buildings were crafted by masons, making them a long-standing backdrop to the town’s landscape.

With something for every weekend, The Town of Perth County is an incredible fall, summer or winter road trip for you and your loved ones.

The best part is that it’s a hidden gem that has all of these memorable experiences to offer without the crowds. You’ll want to get in on the Perth secret before the word gets out. You deserve a weekend free from the hustle and bustle of city life and full of rustic charm in the heart of Ontario.

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