- Fiberfest
Sep 11 10 to Sep 11 10 - PickleFest
Sep 11 10 to Sep 11 10 - Sounds of Downtown
Sep 11 10 to Sep 11 10 - Fibrefest
Sep 11 10 to Sep 12 10 - YOUTH BOWLERS WANTED
Sep 11 10 to Apr 23 11 - Doors Open Mississippi Mills
Sep 11 10 to Sep 12 10
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Limestone Tour
The ruggedness that characterizes much of Lanark County gives way in the south to the Smiths Falls Limestone Plain, once part of the floor of the prehistoric Champlain Sea, now a mainly flat region of exposed limestone and shallow soils stretching all the way to Cornwall. Transportation dominates the history of this region, from the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site built in 1826s as a military supply route linking Montreal and Kingston, to the railway, which took people and businesses to places that water couldn't. The land is more open here, the roads straighter, the discoveries delightful - whether its antiques, golfing, a fine meal, or just a leisurely afternoon spent exploring in good company.
While much of Lanark County saw no settlers until after the War of 1812, a few intrepid United Empire Loyalists, beginning in the 1790s, chose to venture into the wilderness to stake claims at prime water power sites along the Rideau River as payment for their services to the crown during the American Revolution. Thomas Smythe of New York was one such individual, and although he made no improvements to his land, his name became attached to the set of rapids eventually tamed by the Combined Locks and the town that grew around them. Smiths Falls owes much of its development to first the Rideau Canal and then as a divisional point for the CN and CP railways, with mills and factories establishing themselves here to take advantage of the excellent transportation links. This heritage and more is remembered in dedicated museums, and are well worth a visit.
Begin your tour alongside the Combined Locks at Victoria Park, in the centre of town. At the intersection, note the lockmaster’s house, which was built with various defensive features so that the locks could be defended in the event of an American attack. From Lombard Avenue, turn right onto Abbott Street and cross the river at Detached Locks. A distinctive feature of this lock is the raised bascule bridge, a rolling-lift railway bridge built in 1912–13 and used until the rail line ceased operation in 1984. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983.
Turn left onto Hwy 43 west.
Turn left at Port Elmsley, where history and geography converge, revealing the unexpected. This small village on the Tay River was originally named Barbadoes, in honour of the birthplace of its founder Samuel Weatherhead, agent to Benedict Arnold. Arnold had received these lands as part of his reward for his efforts on behalf of the king during the American Revolution. Once home to three locks of the First Tay Canal, a private canal built by citizens in Perth (1831—34) to provide a vital link to the Rideau Canal, the village prospered as a mill site and forwarding community for goods coming to and from Perth. It fell into decline when bypassed by the Second Tay Canal (1880s), which avoided the long stretch of rapids here by excavating a dry cut from the river to Beveridges Bay on Lower Rideau Lake, and the rise of rail. Ruins of the old graphite mill can still be seen by the river.
Follow Port Elmsley Road (County Road 18), which passes over Beveridges Lock Station, the only locks on the Tay Canal, which is now a branch of the Rideau Canal.
Turn right onto Rideau Ferry Road (County Road 1) which, when it enters Perth, becomes Gore Street.
Perth was established in 1816 as the social, administrative, and judicial centre for emerging settlements back of the Front. The strict social code of the British military guided the settlement for many years, the most illustrious example being duelling, including the fatal duel of 1833 between rival law students over the affections of a local governess. The many elegant Georgian homes stand testament to the town’s early prominence, while its museums, shops, restaurants, parks, and festivals contribute to the town’s continuing popularity (web site for details).
Follow Gore Street through the downtown core; turn right onto North Street (County Road 10). One of the earliest roads surveyed by the British military, the Perth Road marches in a nearly straight line past neat farms with solid stone and brick houses, and through the crossroad communities of Richardson and Gillies Corners, each signalling their presence from afar by church spires, until you come to Franktown.
Originally a supply centre for early settlers, a townsite was soon established attracting 200 residents and the eventual construction of two churches. Take a moment to explore the side streets east of the highway, especially in spring. There is a reason why Franktown is known as the Lilac Capital of Canada.
At Franktown, take Hwy 15 north to Blacks Corners.
Named for an early blacksmith, Blacks Corners features a distinctive war memorial in front of the administrative offices for the Township of Beckwith.
Turn right onto Beckwith 9th Line; right onto Derry Side Road (County Road 17), which goes through Goodwood Marsh. Turn left onto Glenashton Road and watch for the corner with the historic Kennedy and Dewar Cemeteries. Turn left onto Ashton Station Road for the timelessly picturesque village of Ashton.
Situated on the Jock River, as well as the border between Lanark County and the former county of Carleton, both the river and village of Ashton were once named Goodwood, in honour of the English estate of the Duke of Richmond, governor-in-chief of the Canadas, who visited the area in 1819, just days before his painful death from rabies. Pause a while to take in the three historic churches, the old mill, and many fine homes that make up the village.
Follow the scenic McCaffrey Trail along the Jock River, a popular route for riders on horseback. At Dwyer Hill Road, turn right, then right again onto Richmond Road (County Road 10), to return to Lanark County and the village of Prospect, a former wayside stop for travellers between the military settlements of Perth (1816) and Richmond (1818). While its two hotels have long since disappeared, Prospect does have many fine old homes, churches, and burying grounds.
Backtrack a short distance to Ashton Station Road; turn right. Turn left onto Purdy Road, then right onto Dwyer Hill Road. Keep an eye out for the distinctive St. Clare’s church (1915). It was designed by Francis Sullivan, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, in the Prairie Style.
Turn right onto Roger Stevens Drive (County Road 6 / County Road 4), named for a United Empire Loyalist who was among the first to arrive in the area. Watch for interesting rock formations on your return to Smiths Falls and the conclusion of your tour.
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