St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Founding of St. Catharines
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 27, 2014
1. The Founding of St. Catharines Marker
City Hall at left
Inscription.
The Founding of St. Catharines. . Before this region was settled, several Indian trails intersected here at a ford in Twelve Mile Creek. They were improved by early settlers and a church was erected at the crossroads by 1798. A tavern soon followed and a settlement, known as St. Catharines or Shipman's Corners, developed. After the War of 18 12 the community expanded largely through the efforts of William Hamilton Merritt. He was the chief promoter of the First Welland Canal, built in 1824-33, which made St. Catharines a centre for water transportation and industry. Factories and mills were established and St. Catharines became a leading flour-milling and shipbuilding centre. It was incorporated as a Town in 1845 and as a City in 1876.
Before this region was settled, several Indian trails intersected here at a ford in Twelve Mile Creek. They were improved by early settlers and a church was erected at the crossroads by 1798. A tavern soon followed and a settlement, known as St. Catharines or Shipman's Corners, developed. After the War of 1812 the community expanded largely through the efforts of William Hamilton Merritt. He was the chief promoter of the First Welland Canal, built in 1824-33, which made St. Catharines a centre for water transportation and industry. Factories and mills were established and St. Catharines became a leading flour-milling and shipbuilding centre. It was incorporated as a Town in 1845 and as a City in 1876.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.
Location. 43° 9.575′ N, 79° 14.834′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. Marker is at the intersection of Church Street and James Street, on the right when traveling north on Church Street. Marker is on the front lawn of City Hall, just south of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Church Street, St Catharines ON L2R 7C2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 27, 2014
2. The Founding of St. Catharines Marker
Northward view towards James Street
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • William J. Toman was the editor who published this page.
