The Founding of Newmarket

Photo by Alan L Brown - April, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of York
The Town of Newmarket
Water Street, south side, across from Main Street South.
Look for the green arrow on the interactive map below.

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Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

44.051433 -79.455567

Plaque Text

In 1801 Joseph Hill, attracted by the water-power potential of the Holland River, built a grist-mill on the site of present day Newmarket and opened a general store. The settlement here in 1803-1804 of Elisha Beman, a major local landowner and entrepreneur, provided a strong stimulus for the community's growth and within a few years the village had emerged as the market-centre for the rich surrounding agricultural region. The arrival of the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Union Railroad in 1853 strengthened this position, contributing to Newmarket's incorporation as a village four years later. Because of its success in attracting financial investment the village prospered and in 1880 Newmarket, with over 2000 inhabitants, was incorporated as a town by an act of the provincial legislature.

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