London in Middlesex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Founding of London

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2009

1. The Founding of London Marker

Inscription. In 1793, here on the River Thames, Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe selected a site for the capital of Upper Canada. York, however, became the seat of government and the townsite of London lay undeveloped until its selection in 1826 as the judicial and administrative centre of the London District. A court-house and gaol (1829) and homes for the government officials were built, stores and hotels were opened, and by 1834 the community contained over 1100 inhabitants. A British garrison stationed at London in 1838 stimulated its growth. Two years later it was incorporated as a Town. With the development of a prosperous agricultural hinterland and the completion of the Great Western Railway, London became a City in 1855.

Erected 1975 by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Government & Politics • Notable Places • Political Subdivisions • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.

Location. 42° 58.94′ N, 81° 15.252′ W. Marker is in London, Ontario, in

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Middlesex County. It is at the intersection of Ridout Street North and Dundas Street, on the left when traveling west on Ridout Street North. Marker is on the grounds of the Middlesex Court House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: London ON N6A 5H4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Middlesex Court House (a few steps from this marker); The Gaol and Courthouse, London, c.1843 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Petition of John Ewart (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Peel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ridout Street Complex (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Eldon House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); King Street Bridge (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Farmer’s Advocate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in London.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2009

2. The Founding of London Marker

Middlesex Court House in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,364 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.