Kingston

Kingston, city in south-eastern Ontario, Canada, seat of Frontenac County, on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St Lawrence River and at the southern terminus of the Rideau Canal. It is a shipping, manufacturing, and educational centre; principal products include fabricated metal, synthetic fibres, electronic products, diesel equipment, ceramics, and processed food. Tourism is also important for the city’s economy, and health care and information services are major employers.

Kingston is the seat of Queen's University at Kingston (1841); the affiliated Queen's Theological College; the Royal Military College of Canada (1876); the Canadian Army Staff College (1947); and the National Defence College (1948). Also in the city are Bellevue House (1838), once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada; and Old Fort Henry, originally built during the War of 1812 and now housing a museum. Additional attractions include the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum; the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes; cruises of the Thousand Islands; the Agnes Etherington Art Centre; the Confederation Tour Trolley tours of the city; and the International Ice Hockey Federation Museum. The Canadian Olympic Sailing Regatta is held annually in August.

Established in 1673 as a French trading post, the community developed around Fort Frontenac until the fort was captured by the British in 1758. In 1783 and 1784 the site was resettled by United Empire Loyalists, who named it in honour of George III of England. From 1841 to 1844, Kingston served as the capital of the united province of Canada. It was incorporated as a city in 1846. As commercial activities declined towards the end of the 19th century, institutional employers such as the university, prisons, hospitals, and the military became more important to the city's economy. The Provincial Penitentiary is located here, and has brought other correctional institutions to the area. In 1998 the city of Kingston amalgamated with Kingston and Pittsburgh townships. Population 117,207 (2006).