Please note that the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation and the Kingston Archaeology Centre have closed. This site is still available for historical and informational reasons, but none of the services or products described here are available anymore.

Kingston Archaeology

A Brief History of Archaeology in Kingston

Archaeology in Kingston and the surrounding area has its roots deeply embedded in the history and development of the area. Discoveries of below surface heritage resources have been recorded as early as the mid-nineteenth century: such discoveries have been of great interest to Kingstonians, and, indeed, to Canadians. A series of events, occurring over the last century and a half, paved the way for a formal assessment of the archaeological resources of the City of Kingston, leading, in turn, to the inclusion of archaeological policies in urban planning. The following is only a sample of the archaeological work that has been done in the area over the last one hundred and fifty years, click on the map to learn about the archaeology that has taken place in Kingston.

Kingston Archaeology Hotspots

Belle Island

Belle Island

In the late-twentieth century evidence of a Middle Woodland burials were found at this location.

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Deadman Bay

Deadman Bay

The remains of two War of 1812 vessels are located in this bay.

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Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick

From 2003-2005 the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation’s summer archaeology camp “Can You Dig It?”© excavated at the site of the 1812 Fort at Point Frederick at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, specifically to the East and South of the Fort Frederick Tower.

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Fort Frontenac

Fort Frontenac

Fort Frontenac was a French trading post and military fort built in 1673.

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Garrison Hospital

Garrison Hospital

Our “Can You Dig It?”© program excavated at this site from 2000-2002.

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Inner Harbour

Inner Harbour

Evidence of Kingston’s early shipping history was found here beginning in the mid-20th century.

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Kingston Outer Station

Kingston Outer Station

In the mid-twentieth century evidence of a Middle Woodland occupation was found at this location.

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Market Square

Market Square

Excavation at Market Square found evidence of the 1865 fire that destroyed City Hall.

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Mississauga Point

Mississauga Point

Evidence of First Nations burials was found here in the late nineteenth century.

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Naval Cottages

Naval Cottages

The Naval Cottages on Point Frederick were the focus of the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation’s summer archaeology camp “Can You Dig It?”© in 1998, 1999, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

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OHIP Site

OHIP Site

Excavations at the OHIP site revealed European occupation dating back to the first French settlers.

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Rideaucrest

Rideaucrest

Rideaucrest is believed to be site of the home of Molly Brant 200 years ago.

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