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Ottawa

INTRODUCTION

Canada’s capital, the second largest urban area in the province of Ontario, is the country’s fourth largest municipal region. Ottawa is the home of national government, and as such has played an important role in the country’s history. Its commercial potential, as well as its location, have made the city a major player in national economics, as well as culture.

HISTORY

The region was first inhabited by First Nations tribes, who made their living hunting and fishing along the Ottawa River, then known as the Kichi Sibi (Great River).

While European explorers had begun settling the land centuries before, the earliest known European settlement of the Ottawa area was the village of Wrightsville, founded by Philemon Wright in 1800. Though the settlement was on the Quebec side of the river, which would later grow into the city of Hull, Wright is credited with settling the “Capital Region” of modern Canada.

Wrightsville began a prosperous lumber trade, making use of the powerful river network for shipping. Logging quickly became the dominant industry, driving local economy and attracting new settlers.

Immigration gained new momentum in the years following the War of 1812, when Rideau Canal waterway was developed. While the original purpose behind the canal network was defensive (to slow or thwart any attack on British colonies by US residents), no attack ever came. The canal system provided a safe method of travel and the network was extended.

One of the chief architects of the canal network, Colonel John By, established a township, known as Bytown, in the northern region. By the mid 1800s, Bytown had been incorporated as the city of Ottawa.

A military base was established along the Ottawa River, called Barrack Hill. As no military defense was needed, the base fell into disuse.

With the onset of confederation and prevailing peace, the Rideau Canal network took on a more leisurely purpose. Today, the canals are known for water sports, while during the winters when the river is frozen over, the canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink (at the equivalent of 90 Olympic size hockey rinks).

The logging industry gained momentum as the population of both Canada and the United States continued to grow. By the late 1800s, the Bytown lumber industry became the dominant force throughout North America.

When Queen Victoria chose the region to be the capital of the Province of Canada, however, the base at Barrack Hill became the seat of government and was officially renamed Parliament Hill.

Prince Albert Edward (future King Edward VII, and father of notable Jack the Ripper suspect Prince “Eddy” Albert Victor), laid the first stone in the new gothic style parliament buildings. Parliament Hill became the largest construction project to that date in North America, taking almost 20 years to complete.

The settlement also gained a new name, officially becoming Ottawa. The location was chosen for several reasons, including its strategic location, and its small size. The monarchy felt that a lower population would be less likely to experience resistance to British rule.

In 1916, much of the central structure of Parliament Hill was destroyed by fire. The government was forced to temporarily relocate while the grounds were repaired. Among the new structures, Peace Tower was built , complete with a public observation deck, to house the House of Commons. The tower has since become a symbol of the city and of the nation.

The capital would play a major role in the history of war, and international politics, when a clerk defected from the Soviet embassy carrying top secret documents. Canada, at the time allied with the USSR, was reluctant to examine the more than 100 documents, but finally did so and uncovered a massive international Soviet spy network, as well as plans for an atomic bomb. The incident is the official start of the Cold War.

As the city grew, it engulfed neighboring towns. As a result of its growth and influence on national culture and politics, modern Ottawa has become an international city, known for more than politics. Boasting a truly unique environment that is as much urban as it is unspoiled nature, Ottawa has seen a boom in leisure based tourism.

Several historic sights are preserved throughout the city, and many major events are hosted here, from professional sports to festivals to national celebrations.

As of the winter of 2007-08, the Rideau Canal holds the record for the world’s longest skating rink.

There are plenty more things to see and do in Ottawa.

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