Brantford in Brant County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Founding of Brantford

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2022

1. The Founding of Brantford Marker

Inscription.
In the 1820's significant improvements to the Hamilton and London road attracted settlers to the Indian lands at Brant's Ford where this thoroughfare crossed the Grand River. A thriving village soon developed and in 1830 the Six Nations surrendered its site. The opening of navigation to Brantford in 1848, the completion of the Buffalo, Brantford and Goderich Railway to the town in 1854 and the development of a rich agricultural hinterland fostered significant commercial and manufacturing growth in Brantford. The firms of Cockshutt and Harris, established here during the 1870's, laid the foundation for Brantford's development as Canada's leading farm implement manufacturing centre. Brantford, which became a town in 1847, was incorporated as a city in 1877.

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

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 43° 8.488′ N, 80° 15.741′ W. Marker is in Brantford, Ontario, in Brant County. It is on

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Wellington Street just east of George Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located near the southwest corner of the Ontario Provincial Court Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Wellington Street, Brantford ON N3T 2M2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant 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: William Henry Clapp (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge Alexander David Hardy (within shouting distance of this marker); Brant County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Park Baptist Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) (about 90 meters away); Victoria Park (about 90 meters away); John Claude Whale (about 120 meters away); Royal Victoria Place (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brantford.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Brant County Court-House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.

Also see . . .
1. Brantford History. The Canadian Encyclopedia website entry:

The surrounding area was part of a large land grant of the British government in 1784 to the Six Nations. With this grant, the British sought to reward the Six Nations’ loyalty during the American War of Independence and compensate them for the loss of
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2022

2. The Founding of Brantford Marker
(Ontario Provincial Court Office in background)
their land in the Mohawk Valley area of New York State. In 1825, the centre of the settlement was named Brant’s Ford after Kanyen’kehà:ka leader Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). European settlers began arriving in 1805. The number of colonists grew, and the Six Nations surrendered title to the townsite in 1830.

(Submitted on May 31, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Brantford History. Wikipedia entry:

By the 1830s, Brantford became a stop on the Underground Railroad, and a sizable number of runaway African-Americans settled in the town. By 1847, Europeans began to settle further up the river at a ford in the Grand River and named their village Brantford. Because of the ease of navigation from new roads and the Grand River, several manufacturing companies could be found in the town by 1869. Some of these factories included Brantford Engine Works, Victoria Foundry and Britannia Foundry.

(Submitted on May 31, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2022

3. The Founding of Brantford Marker

(looking south • Wellington Street & Central Presbyterian Church in background)

Ontario Court of Justice Provincial Offenses Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2022

4. Ontario Court of Justice Provincial Offenses Office

(marker is located between building and flagpoles)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,183 times since then and 158 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.