Bytown
Videos
Bytown is the former name of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was founded on September 26, 1826, incorporated as a town on January 1, 1850, and superseded by the incorporation of the City of Ottawa on January 1, 1855. The founding was marked by a sod turning, and a letter from Governor General Dalhousie which authorized Lieutenant Colonel John By to divide up the town into lots. Bytown came about as a result of the construction of the Rideau Canal and grew largely due to the Ottawa River timber trade. Bytown's first mayor was John Scott, elected in 1847.
Falls of the Rideau River, at the Ottawa River, 1826 by Thomas Burrowes
Western and Lesser Fall of the Rideau River; Barrack Hill and Upper Bytown in the left Distance, 1826 by Thomas Burrowes
Hull, (Lower Canada), on the Ottawa River; at the Chaudiere Falls, 1830 by Thomas Burrowes
View at the West end of Wellington Street, Upper Bytown, looking east towards Lower Town in 1845 by Thomas Burrowes
Rideau Hall
Videos
Rideau Hall is the official residence in Ottawa of both the governor general of Canada and the Canadian monarch. It stands in Canada's capital on a 36-hectare (88-acre) estate at 1 Sussex Drive, with the main building consisting of approximately 175 rooms across 9,500 square metres (102,000 sq ft), and 27 outbuildings around the grounds. Rideau Hall's site lies outside the centre of Ottawa. It is one of two official vice-regal residences maintained by the federal Crown, the other being the Citadelle of Quebec.
Main façade of Government House
Floor plan of the original McKay villa superimposed over the present day footprint of Rideau Hall. The building was significantly expanded after its acquisition by the Crown.
Costume ball at Rideau Hall, hosted by Governor General Lord Dufferin at Rideau Hall, 1876
A May Day garden party at Rideau Hall, 1898