Carleton County Courthouse and Gaol
2 Daly Avenue/75-77 Nicholas Street
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
This group of buildings, today home to Arts Court, the Saw Gallery and the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, was also the site of one of Canada's last public hangings. On a cold February morning in 1869, 5,000 people watched Patrick James Whelan hang for the murder of Father of Confederation Thomas D'Arcy McGee. Many believe that Whelan was innocent of the crime.
Originally, these three buildings included Carleton County's courthouse, registry office and gaol (jail). The lawyers, judges and even juries often made their way across Daly Avenue to the Albion Hotel after their work was done to enjoy a well-earned refreshment.
The original jail, constructed in 1842, was badly needed in brawling Bytown. Prior to its construction, prisoners had to be taken by horse to Perth, over 70 kilometres away, and many outlaws were rescued by their cohorts on their way to prison.
Today, you can sleep in one of the original jail cells – if you dare!
Have you ever seen a ghost at one of Ottawa's haunted buildings? Tell us about it.
