Oshawa in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Robert Samuel McLaughlin
(1871-1972)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022
1. Robert Samuel McLaughlin Marker
A famous industrialist and philanthropist, “Colonel Sam” McLaughlin was a founder of the automotive industry in Canada. Involved in the design and manufacture of carriages and sleighs for his family business, he foresaw the importance of the automobile and adapted the McLaughlin Carriage Works for automotive production. He partnered with Buick Motor Company in 1907 and later with Chevrolet. In 1918, his companies were incorporated into General Motors of Canada. His shrewd business skills led to a vice-presidency at the American parent company, confirming his strong ties with this industrial giant, and his leadership of it in both countries.
Célèbre entrepreneur et mécène, le « Colonel Sam » McLaughlin fut l’un des pionniers de l’industrie automobile au Canada. Concepteur et fabricant de voitures et de carrioles pour la McLaughlin Carriage Works, il anticipa l'importance de l'automobile et transforma l'entreprise familiale pour en réaliser la production. En 1907, il s'associa à la Buick Motor, puis à la Chevrolet Motor en 1915 et incorpora ses compagnies à la General Motors du Canada en 1918. Son sens aigu des affaires lui valut la vice-présidence de la maison mère américaine consacrant ainsi ses liens avec l'un des géants de l'industrie et son leadership dans les deux pays.
Erected 2003
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 43° 54.29′ N, 78° 52.05′ W. Marker is in Oshawa, Ontario, in Durham Region. It can be reached from Simcoe Street North (Durham Regional Road 2) just south of Parkwood Court, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located within the Parkwood Estate National Historic Site, overlooking the northeast corner of the McLaughlin mansion. This is the rightmost of two Canadian Historic Sites and Monuments Board markers at this location. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa ON L1G 4T5, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area, and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022
2. Robert Samuel McLaughlin Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Parkwood (here, next to this marker); R.S. "Sam" McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972 (within shouting distance of this marker); Full Steam Ahead (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); In Honoured Memory of the Men of the Ontario Regiment (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); General Motors of Canada (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Historical Industry and Labour (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Victorian Order of Nurses 100th Anniversary (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); On The Lake (The Argyle) (approx. 0.9 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oshawa.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Parkwood Estate National Historic Site
Also see . . .
1. McLaughlin, Robert Samuel (1871-1972).
McLaughlin took(Submitted on October 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)his first car ride in 1904 and was fascinated by these new "horseless carriages." The family carriage business became the McLaughlin Motor Car Company in 1907, and was soon selling the first cars assembled in Canada.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 20223. McLaughlin Mansion - Parkwood Estate National Historic Site (southeast elevation)
2. Robert Samuel McLaughlin.
The McLaughlin’s motorcar business was purchased by General Motors in 1918 and incorporated as General Motors of Canada. R. Samuel McLaughlin became president of the Canadian division and also served as vice-president of the American parent corporation. His brother George acted as vice-president of General Motors of Canada. By the mid-1920s, the Oshawa plant had 3,000 employees and produced more cars for the Canadian and Commonwealth market than the rest of the country combined.(Submitted on October 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Robert Samuel McLaughlin - Automotive Hall of Fame.
• Established McLaughlin Motor Car Company in 1907(Submitted on October 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)• Established General Motors of Canada in 1918
• Served as a Director of General Motors Corporation from 1910-1967
Determined to remain at his desk “only as long as I can be of some value to the company,” McLaughlin retired from the GM board just five years before his death at age 100.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022
4. Parkwood Estate National Historic Site Entrance
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 30, 2022
5. McLaughlin Family Mausoleum
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
