Fort Rouille, Toronto

Fort Rouillé, formerly known as Fort Toronto, was a trading post established by the French in 1751 in present-day Toronto. Its construction was a result of the previous success of a trading post called Fort Toronto, which had been established by the French a year earlier. The fort was named after Antoine Louis Rouillé, who served as the Secretary of State for the Navy under King Louis XV of France. Its primary purpose was to facilitate trade with the indigenous peoples of the region.

During the French and Indian War, following the French defeat at Fort Niagara in July 1759, Fort Rouillé was abandoned and intentionally burned down by the French garrison. In the 19th century, the remains of the fort were demolished. The site where the fort once stood now forms part of Exhibition Place, public lands in Toronto. An obelisk monument marks the location, featuring a concrete outline representing the fort.

Fort Rouillé was a modest fortification, encompassed by a palisade and featuring a bastion at each of its four corners. The dimensions of the fort were 180 by 180 feet (55 × 55 meters). Within its confines, there were five structures: a corps de garde, a storeroom, barracks, a blacksmithy, and a building designated for the officers.

Although the fort is not in the condition it was a few centuries ago, one can still see where the Fort stood ground thanks to the concrete that outlines the structure. Just walking distance from the Exhibition Place, it is a perfect site to learn more about the history of Toronto.