Russell House (Ottawa)

The Russell House was Ottawa's premier hotel for decades, located at the corner of Sparks and Elgin Streets, where Confederation Square stands today. Originally built in the 1840s and extensively renovated in the 1880s, it became a hub for politicians and international figures like Oscar Wilde. Notably, it hosted the formation of Ottawa's first rugby team and the announcement of the Stanley Cup by Lord Stanley. Despite renovations, it closed in 1925 due to high operational costs and was demolished in 1928 after a fire. Artifacts from the hotel can be viewed at the Bytown Museum, making it a point of interest for visitors exploring Ottawa's rich history.