Ontario's Historical Plaques 


Discover Ontario's history as told through its plaques


2004 - Now in our 12th Year - 2016


 To see what's new on this site, you can visit the Home Page 


Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone
in Landscape mode (Horizontal)



The Founding of Wiarton

The Founding of Wiarton

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2005

The Founding of Wiarton

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Plaque Location

The County of Bruce
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula
In Wiarton, at the town hall entrance on George Street
near the southwest corner with Bedford Street (Highway 6)


Coordinates: N 44 44.510 W 81 08.473

Map

Plaque Text

In 1855 a town-plot was laid out here on recently acquired Indian land and named Wiarton, reputedly after the English birthplace of Edmund Head, Governor General of Canada (1854-61). Settlement commenced in 1866 and two years later a post-office was established. Agricultural prosperity, excellent harbour facilities and extensive sawmilling operations stimulated the community's growth as an important Great Lakes industrial centre. In 1880, with a population of about 750, it was incorporated as a Village. The operation of the Stratford and Lake Huron line of the Grand Trunk Railway, opened to Wiarton in 1882, facilitated its continued development particularly in milling and the manufacturers of wood products. With over 2,000 inhabitants, the thriving community became a Town in 1894.

More
Information

More
Settlements

More
South Bruce Peninsula Plaques




Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

(none yet)




Here's where you can sent me a comment for this page.

Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.

To send me your comment, click .

Thanks
Alan L Brown
Webmaster

Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click .