Carleton Martello Tower

 (1813-1870, 1941-1944) - A Martello tower established in 1813 during the War of 1812 in present day Saint John, Saint John County, New Brunswick, Canada. Abandoned in 1870 with the departure of British troops after Canadian Confederation. Utilized in World War I and World War II and finally abandoned in 1944.

History


Carleton Martello Tower was built as a landside defense for the city of Saint John and its harbor during the War of 1812. The tower was built on a high rocky promontory overlooking Saint John and the Harbor. The tapered masonry tower measured some 30 feet high and 50 feet in diameter at the base. The tower was not completed until 1815 after the war was over and was not armed for that conflict.

The tower was armed during the Fenian threat in 1866 but the advent of rifled cannon during the U.S. Civil War made the masonry Martello towers obsolete and ineffective as defensive structures. The tower continued in use as barracks and for other support functions until the departure of British troops in 1870 after Canadian Confederation.

During World War I the tower served as a detention center for deserters between 1915 and 1916.

During World War II a two-story concrete fire control station was built atop the tower as a part of the harbor defense. The tower was deactivated in 1944 and opened to the public in 1963.

Current Status
Part of Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site in Saint John, Saint John County, New Brunswick, Canada. Operated by Parks Canada. The restored tower overlooking the city and harbor. Interior open between Canada Day and Labour Day.

Sources:

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Carlton Martello Tower
 * Wikipedia - Carleton Martello Tower
 * Parks Canada - Carleton Martello Tower