Latchford in Timiskaming District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Ferguson Highway
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2022
1. The Ferguson Highway Marker
In 1925 the Ontario government began construction of this 260-mile trunk-road between Cochrane and North Bay. The road was intended to link the rapidly developing mining and agricultural communities of New Ontario with the province's southern regions. Several sections of rebuilt local roads were incorporated into the gravel highway and the final link was completed through the dense Temagami forest. The highway was officially opened on July 2, 1927, and named in honour of the Hon. G. Howard Ferguson, Premier of Ontario (1923-30) and long-time promoter of northern development. It immediately became an important access route to northern settlements and tourist regions, and later became part of the northern route of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1927.
Location. 47° 19.455′ N, 79° 48.632′ W. Marker is in Latchford, Ontario, in Timiskaming
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northeastern Ontario and specifically in Northern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, 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 Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sherman Mine Iron Ore (a few steps from this marker); Founding of the Town of Latchford / Fondation de la Ville de Latchford (a few steps from this marker); Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, V.C. (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Nipissing Vein No. 96
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2022
2. The Ferguson Highway Marker
More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.
Also see . . .
1. Ferguson Highway.
In June 1923, Howard Ferguson campaigned to victory, with one of his pledges being the construction of a trunk road from North Bay to the farmland of New Liskeard and the mineral resources of Kirkland Lake and Cochrane. By then, a gravel road had already been constructed between Latchford and New Liskeard. This road started as a connection between the communities of Latchford and Cobalt, the latter of which was already connected with nearby Haileybury. The fully gravelled North Bay to Cochrane Trunk Road was ceremoniously opened by William Finlayson, the Department of Lands and Forests, on July 2, 1927.(Submitted on October 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. The History of Highway 11.
In the beginning, the Ferguson Highway was a quick and cheap political promise to the north. It was a response to the evolution of cars and trucks and an alternative to the railroads. What it really meant was that the road wandered from point to point, using the highest ground possible, avoiding the myriad of small lakes and wetlands of the Canadian Shield. Although the Ferguson Highway linked Cochrane and Timmins to North Bay, in reality the road couldnt be used for much of the year. Every spring the freeze and thaw regime swallowed up whole sections and the rains washed away portions of the gravel roadbed and wooden bridges. Stonemasons were required for permanent bridges and these permanent structures were costly to the Crown. It wasnt until the 1950s that all of Highway 11 was paved with some uniformity.(Submitted on October 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
