Day Forty Three
The name Ottawa was derived from the Algonquin word “adawe” which means “to trade”. The settlement was originally incorporated as Bytown in 1850. The name was changed to Ottawa in 1855. In 1857 the queen selected Ottawa to be the capital of Canada. To ensure the the Queen had proper representation in the commonwealth, she installed a Governor General to carry out her duties in her absence. Today, the position is still active. The duties have changed a little for the Governor General through the years as the Queen no longer holds office in the Canadian government.
The Governor Generals office, and home, for their tenure is at the Rideau Hall. The first structure of Rideau hall dates back to 1887 built by the Scottish masson, Thomas McKay. Originally the property was called McKay castle until 1855 when it became known as Rideau Hall. Over the years Rideau Hall has gone through many changes. The grounds consist of eighty eighty acres of gardens. The trees spread throughout the property are carefully cared for as it has been the tradition for visiting royalty and dignitary’s of state to plant a tree during their visit. Some of these trees date back to 1906.
Rideau Hall allowed tours through the hall, which Lori and I partook. The tour was very insightful for me and brought more understanding, and respect for the structure of the Canadian government. The Hall itself has gone through so many additions the original castle is no longer visible. Entering through the main entrance to the reception is for all visitors, regardless if your royalty, political dignitary or tourist, you enter through these doors. The tour took us through five rooms of the hall and took about an hour. The young girl doing the guide was bursting with history and knowledge of the Hall and responsibilities of the Governor General.
