One afternoon, we just had to get out of the marina. Tension was high, and everyone frustrated with the rate of repairs. We decided to take a break and visit Discovery Harbour.

Situated along Penetanguishene Bay, this site is a reconstruction of an original 19^th century British naval and military base. Originally conceived during the War of 1812, the actual construction of a Naval Establishment would have to wait until peacetime.  Finally operational in early 1817, the base served as an important supply link to more northerly British outposts, and safeguarded presents destined for Britain’s indigenous allies.

Improved relations with the United States during the 1820’s led to the closure of the naval base in 1834. However, in 1828 the garrison from Drummond Island was transferred to Penetanguishene, and Navy and Military co-existed at the facility for six years. The Military Establishment would remain in operation until 1856.

Discovery Harbour features 23 historic renditions, with guides at most providing reenactments. It’s a great walking tour, weather permitting. This turned out to be a stormy afternoon, so our visit was cut short.

H.M.S. Tecumseh

A highlight was boarding the H.M.S. Tecumseh. This warship was built at Chippewa on Lake Erie to be part of Britain’s defense fleet against the Americans in the War of 1812. Construction began in 1814; by the time of her launch in 1815, the war had ended. Oh well.

H.M.S. Tecumseth spent two years as a supply ship on Lake Erie before her transfer to the Naval Establishment at Penetanguishene. After many years of inactive service, she gave in to rot and sank in the Penetanguishene Harbour!

The replica H.M.S. Tecumseth was constructed using the original rigging inventory, Admiralty plans, a surviving logbook, and a period painting. H.M.S. Tecumseth’s appearance is that of a 19^th century schooner, and where possible, her modern fittings have been carefully camouflaged. (We did find a few.)

On the way to the H.M.S. Tecumseh is a jolly boat replica. The jolly boat was a general purpose ship’s boat used in the Royal Navy. Jolly boats could be sailed using lug or spritsails, or pulled by oars.

There is also a replica of a small transport vessel – the Bee. Of the three small transport vessels active on Lake Huron (Bee, Wasp and Mosquito) the Bee served the longest.

Both the H.M.S. Tecumseth and the Bee hold warrants from Canada’s Governor General.

Lower Dockyard

Just beyond the H.M.S. Tecumseth is the lower dockyard. The ongoing maintenance of buildings and ships was centered in the dockyard area and manned by a hired civilian workforce. The dockyard includes a sawpit, steam kiln and naval slip, and a blacksmith shop.

Other sites include the Quarterman’s Office; Sailors’ Barracks; Assistant Surgeon’s House; Home of the Clerk-in-Charge; Stable; Cemetery; Naval Surveyor’s House; Home of the Fort Adjutant; Parade Square; and the Original Officers’ Quarters. I wish we could have toured the entire facility – next time!