Rising majestically into the Eastern Ontario skyline, the 60-foot Windmill Point Light, originally an aged grist windmill, underwent a metamorphosis into a valiant lighthouse back in 1873. Take a moment to hear the historic whispers dating back to 1838, when a battle, now popularly known as 'The Battle of the Windmill', went down just a short distance away. Today, this Point of Interest (POI) bears the name Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site, recognized by Parks Canada thanks to the tireless work of The Friends in 1996.
For the history buffs, the wooden, stone tower stands proudly in the landscape like a battle-worn sentinel. Besides the opportunity to trek the narrow wooden planks and ascend to the beacon for a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River, the site offers informative panels, a video presentation, and a souvenir shop stocked with knick-knacks. The site is accessible from June to September during the weekends, and from July to August, it opens daily.
Grab a peek behind the scenes by delving into Donald E. Graves’s book, The Battle of the Windmill, 1838. But remember, it's on Windmill Point Road, a mere 3km east of Prescott, Ontario.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Friendly Jane
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