Black Settlement in Oro Township

Photo by Alan L Brown - June, 2004

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - December, 2009

Plaque Location

In the Township of Oro-Medonte in the County of Simcoe
at coordinates N 44 23.906 W 79 37.383
east of Barrie on Road 20.

© 2010 Microsoft

Plaque Text

The only government-sponsored Black settlement in Upper Canada, the Oro community was established in 1819 to help secure the defence of the province's northern frontier. Black veterans of the War of 1812 who could be enlisted to meet hostile forces advancing from Georgian Bay were offered land grants here. By 1831, nine had taken up residence along this road, called Wilberforce Street after the renowned British abolitionist. Bolstered by other Black settlers who had been attracted to the area, the community soon numbered about 100. The settlement eventually declined, however, as farmers discouraged by the poor soil and harsh climate gradually drifted away. Today only the African Episcopal church erected near Edgar in 1849 remains as a testament to this early Black community.

Related Ontario plaque page
African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oro

More
Information

More
Settlements

Related Ontario plaque page
Puce River Black Community

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Here are the comments for this page.

Posted June 7, 2009
This plaque is a great testiment to the brave African-American veterans and free individuals who settled in Oro. However, labeling it "Black Settlement" does not give proper respect and recognition to African-Americans. The term "Black" merely identifies various cultural groups which include Africans-Americans, African-Candians and Caribbean-Canadians. This plaque should be changed to properly identify the brave group of people who immigrated here so long ago.
tmc@vmobile.blackberry.com

Posted September 23, 2008
I am looking into family history of a friend, the settler was Wm. Davenport. If anyone has info, please send to aimililennox@hotmail.com

Posted July 18, 2008
I am a desendent of James P. Bush of Oro county, trying to get in contact with any one who gets this comment. My name is James Bush of St. Catharines, Ontario. My email address is jbkj99@hotmail.com

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