The Founding of Newmarket

Photo by Alan L Brown - April 27, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of York
The Town of Newmarket
Water Street, south side, across from Main Street South

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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