Bay-Cloverhill in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald

1812-1872

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

1. Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Marker

Inscription.
Born in St. Raphael, Macdonald was first elected to represent Glengarry in the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1841. He became one of the leaders of the Reform Party and served in several administrations prior to Confederation in 1867. Prime Minister of the Province of Canada, 1862-64, he later served as the first Prime Minister of Ontario, 1867-71. Always independent in his political thinking, he had a first opposed the federation of the provinces. Later, he co-operated with Sir John A. Macdonald, Chief Architect of Confederation, at whose request he formed a coalition ministry in Ontario.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 43° 39.736′ N, 79° 23.469′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Bay-Cloverhill. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Queen's Park Crescent East and Grosvenor Street, on the left when traveling north. Monument is located in Queen's Park, directly in front of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the north side of the monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toronto ON M7A 1A2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Queen Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir James Pliny Whitney (within shouting distance of this marker);

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King's College (within shouting distance of this marker); Ontario Post One (within shouting distance of this marker); Hon. George Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); This Maple Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Lieutenant-General John Graves Simcoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Queen's Park (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Also see . . .
1. John Sandfield Macdonald.

Sandfield opposed both the concept of Federalism and the notion of union with the Maritimes. He particularly feared Toronto domination of his St Lawrence Valley region. Nevertheless, being basically a Reform-minded pragmatist, by early 1867 he gently bowed to the inevitable. Upon Confederation, John A. Macdonald became prime minister and helped engineer the selection of Sandfield as the first premier of Ontario. "Hunting in pairs," the 2 Macdonalds won the concurrent federal and provincial elections. Sandfield's ministry was of considerable distinction, frugal yet creative, and despite opposition
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

2. Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Marker
(north side of monument)
Solicitor General • 1849
Speaker • 1852
Attorney General • 1858
Prime Minister • 1862-4
assertions to the contrary he was no puppet of the prime minister.

(Submitted on October 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. John Sandfield Macdonald.

Macdonald instituted several notable achievements, in addition to setting up the initial machinery of government for the new Province:
• An Act modelled on the US Homestead Acts provided for virtually free land for homesteaders on surveyed crown lands of Muskoka, Haliburton and north Hastings, and further Acts encouraged the northern extension of railways into those areas.
• The District of Muskoka was created to aid in the colonization effort, from townships withdrawn from Simcoe County, Victoria County and the District of Nipissing.
• Education aid was concentrated into the University of Toronto, at the expense of the denominational colleges.
• The election laws were reformed in 1868 to establish a single date for elections to be held (as opposed to a range of dates).

(Submitted on October 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

3. Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Statue

Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

4. Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Monument

Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Monument (<i>south side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

5. Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald Monument (south side)

(Ontario Legislative Assembly in background)
John Sandfield Macdonald
Prime Minister of Ontario • 1867-1871

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.