The Founding of Richmond Hill

Photo by Alan L Brown - April 27, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of York
The Town of Richmond Hill
On the SW corner of Yonge Street and Wright Street, 4 blocks north of Major MacKenzie Drive (York Road 25)

Plaque Text

Settlers came to this district about 1794 after the construction of Yonge Street north from York (Toronto). The settlement prospered as a way station for travellers. Known as Mount Pleasant, the community was renamed, following a visit in 1819 by the Governor-in-Chief of British North America, the Duke of Richmond. Mills along the Don River preceded the establishment of tanneries and carriage works. The first church, erected by Presbyterians, opened in 1821, the post office in 1836. By 1853 a railway station was located nearby. A County By-law, passed in 1872, incorporated Richmond Hill as a village and its council first met in 1873. Town status was achieved in 1957 and its boundaries were greatly extended in 1970.

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