Watson's Mill (Museum/Historic Site) — Attraction in Ottawa

Manotick's Watson's Mill / Long Island Mill and Museum is a historic site that supports the heritage of both the Rideau canal and rural farmers in the community dating back in the 1860's. It also serves today as a memorial of local troops who fought bravely for Canada's armed forces. There are many interesting features surrounding this area. The once very active multi-purpose mill, how it supported life in the community, how mills function and how the mill structure influences the local environment. The mill harnests the kinetic energy from the water to turn turbines providing mechanical energy to drive various gears and pulleys to perform work. This included; a grist mill (a stone grinding mechanism that was used to grind grain and corn into various grades of flour) and a power supply for other machines such as; a hoist to lift sacs of grain and a power supply to cut logs into useable lumber. These services were often traded in exchange for a portion of what was made, thus creating a centre of commerce within the community. I also noticed how the dam used by the mill impacts the local environment. This includes; the formation of oddly shaped ice paddies from the foam of the Rideau river during the winter time. Also how the water sounds, moves and where water collects creating a bay down stream where wildlife likes to congregate. There are also other hidden clues available to be seen, such as; ice pushing staffs, the tunnel into the mill where water is diverted for the turbines. Just take your time and let your imagination figure out how this mill worked in the past and immerse youself into history. Don't get too close to the mechanical workings of the Mill. You don't want to join Ann in the haunting of the Mill. That too is a story you can learn about while visiting the site.

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We're new to the area and went exploring in Manotick. This 1860 flour mill was so incredible to tour. Make sure to go see all the floors and learn about the grinding process but also the engineering that is still relevant today. The young staff were so welcoming and happy to share information. There is a grinding demonstration Sunday 1-3 (seasonal, check the website) and if you're early, a local baker makes bread with the milled flour so you might even get to sample it ! They also sell sacks of fresh stone-ground whole wheat flour. Definitely a very special piece of local history. Wish I'd taken...

I ended up at Watson's Mill, hoping to glean some info about the lost village on Long Island. My 3rd Great Grandfather had come over from Scotland in the 1840's, died 1870 and my 2nd Great Grandfather was born on Manotick Long Island in village that's no longer there. I'm pretty sure he worked on the canal. I wanted to know if there were any Cemeteries on the Island to see if my 3GG was buried there. Unfortunately they couldn't help me at the Mill but, I did get to see the beautiful setting that it's in and the river behind it. If you're in the area, it will be worth your...