Central School / Paterson Park – A Royal Visit
Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) are seen waving to the crowds from their motorcade in front of Central School, a proud brick building that once stood on the site of what is now Paterson Park in downtown Fort William.
The royal couple visited Fort William during their historic 1939 tour of Canada, marking the first time reigning British monarchs set foot on Canadian soil. Central School, adorned with Union Jack flags and filled with cheering students, was a fitting backdrop for the celebration.
Though Central School was later demolished, the legacy of its place in our city’s history lives on. Paterson Park, which now occupies this space, continues to be a gathering point for community events, echoing the civic pride once displayed here during that memorable royal visit.
