'Bytown' is the former name of
Ottawa,
Ontario,
Canada's capital city.
Located where the
Rideau Canal meets the
Ottawa River, it took its name from
John By who, as Colonel of the British Engineers, was instrumental in the construction of the canal. Bytown was incorporated in
1850 and, upon incorporation into a city in
1855, was given the new name ''Ottawa''. Bytown straddled the canal, with Lower Town on the East side where the current
Byward Market and general area of
Lower Town still exists, and Upper Town to the West, situated in the area of the current downtown and
Parliament Hill. The history of Bytown is covered in the main article on
Ottawa. There is now a Bytown Museum in Ottawa, which happens to be the oldest stone building in the city. It is home to artifacts dating back to the era. The Rideau Canal also is the resting place of many fallen Irishmen who died while making the historic route; there is a monument dedicated to them.
See also
★
Stony Monday Riot
External link
★
Musée Bytown Museum