Near Gravenhurst in Muskoka District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Muskoka Road 1858
Photographed By David Sutcliffe, June 14, 2008
1. The Muskoka Road 1858 Marker
Inscription.
The Muskoka Road 1858. . During the 1850's and 1860's the government attempted to open up the districts lying north of the settled townships by means of "Colonization Roads". Free land was offered to persons who would settle along the route, clear a stated acreage and help maintain the road. In 1858 construction began on a road from Washago to the interior of Muskoka. R.J. Oliver was appointed the government land agent at the Severn Bridge and directed the progress of the settlement. The road was completed to the site of Bracebridge by 1861 and the adjacent bushland formed into the townships of Morrison, Muskoka, Draper and Macaulay.
During the 1850's and 1860's the government attempted to open up the districts lying north of the settled townships by means of "Colonization Roads". Free land was offered to persons who would settle along the route, clear a stated acreage and help maintain the road. In 1858 construction began on a road from Washago to the interior of Muskoka. R.J. Oliver was appointed the government land agent at the Severn Bridge and directed the progress of the settlement. The road was completed to the site of Bracebridge by 1861 and the adjacent bushland formed into the townships of Morrison, Muskoka, Draper and Macaulay.
Erected by The Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 44° 49.853′ N, 79° 19.276′ W. Marker is near Gravenhurst, Ontario, in Muskoka District. Marker is on Hwy. 11 South, one kilometer south of Kilworthy Rd., on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gravenhurst ON P0E 1G0, Canada. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The marker is located in a seasonal roadside picnic area.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2017, by David Sutcliffe of Kilworthy, Ontario. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2017, by David Sutcliffe of Kilworthy, Ontario. Photo1. submitted on September 26, 2017, by David Sutcliffe of Kilworthy, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
