Dundas in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Desjardins Canal

Photographed by Tim Boyd

1. The Desjardins Canal Marker

Inscription.
In pioneer days waterways provided the essential means of transportation. Dundas, located at the head of navigation on Lake Ontario and the eastern terminus of the Governor's Road", was thus in a favoured position. However, in 1823 the government authorized the construction of a canal for larger vessels through Burlington sand-bar. Since its completion would make the shallow approach through Coote's Paradise marsh inadequate, Pierre Desjardins, an enterprising settler from France, formed a company in 1826 to build a canal there. Opened in 1837, it contributed greatly to the development of this region until the completion of the Great Western Railway in 1853, when the Desjardins Canal gradually fell into disuse.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Erected by The Ontario Archaeological and Historical Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 43° 15.961′ N, 79° 56.676′ W. Marker is

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in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Dundas. It is at the intersection of East Street and Cootes Drive, on the right when traveling north on East Street. This marker is in Centennial Park, in the historic Town of Dundas, part of the City of Hamilton. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe,

in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area,

and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

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: The History of the Turning Basin (here, next to this marker); The History of the Desjardins Canal (a few steps from this marker); The Founding of Dundas (a few steps from this marker); Martha Cartmell and Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadair CT-133 Silver Star (about 120 meters away, measured

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 7, 2023

2. The Desjardins Canal Marker

in a direct line); a different marker also named The Desjardins Canal (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Sir William Osler, Bart. (approx. half a kilometer away); Sir William Osler in Canada (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . . The Desjardins Canal (Wikipedia article).

The Desjardins Canal, named after its promoter Pierre Desjardins, was a canal in Ontario, Canada. It was built to give the town of Dundas easier access to Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes system of North America. Although a technological achievement and a short term commercial success, the canal was soon eclipsed by the railway, and Dundas by neighbouring Hamilton.

(Submitted on April 7, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Additional keywords. Dundas Ontario Pierre Desjardins

The Desjardins Canal Marker (on the left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 7, 2023

3. The Desjardins Canal Marker (on the left)

1896

4. The Desjardins Canal turning basin (1896), curent location of Centennial Park.

Source: the Hamilton Spectator

1837

5. Advertisement for the opening of the Desjardins Canal, 1837

Source: The Hamilton Spectator

Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 303 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 7, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.