Discover Ontario's history as told through its plaques
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William Berczy (1744-1813)
Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted June 2018
Plaque Location
The Region of York
The Town of Markham
In Berczy Square, near the northeast corner of
16th Avenue and Kennedy Road
Coordinates: N 43 52.843 W 79 18.808 |
Plaque Text
This remarkable figure founded Markham and also played a key role in the development of York (now Toronto). In 1794, Berczy brought 186 German settlers to Upper Canada, where they built a section of Yonge Street, a military and commercial artery. He was also an artist, recognized for his portrait miniatures and larger oil paintings of important people, such as Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) and the Woolsey family. Through these works, he enriched portrait painting in early Canada. His best-known building design, for Christ Church Cathedral in Montréal, encouraged the spread of British architectural styles in Lower Canada.
Related Ontario plaques
The Berczy Settlement 1794
Bethesda Church and Burying Ground
Related Toronto plaques
William Berczy
The Don River Bridge, 1803
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Settlers
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Markham Plaques
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