Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Crystal Palace and Grounds
Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
1. Crystal Palace and Grounds Marker
Quick Facts: Site of 1860, 1864, 1872 Provincial Expositions - Queen Victoria's Jubilee
Built in 1860 to host the Provincial Exposition, the Crystal Palace was constructed on a 22 acre site as a modern facility capable of hosting the fair. The original site was much larger than the present-day Victoria Park, extending to Dundurn Street. The fairgrounds assisted the development of the area, as a water main was installed up Locke Street to service the building.
- Cornerstone laid May 24, 1860, opened September 20, 1860 by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later to be King Edward VII).
- Hosted Provincial Exposition in 1860, 1864 and 1872.
-Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebration June, 1887.
- Training grounds for the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia, 1860s.
By 1890 the Great Central Fair had seen the last of its glory days. An auction and demolition soon followed and by the mid-1890s, the property was renamed in honour of Queen Victoria.
Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 43° 15.749′ N, 79° 53.02′
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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 Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Early West End Hotels (within shouting distance of this marker); Zion United Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Hamilton Normal School (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Erskine Presbyterian Church (about 90 meters away); Hand Fireworks (about 120 meters away); Strathcona School (about 120 meters away); Baseball at Victoria Park (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Also see . . . North End Breezes - an Exhibition, a Prince and a Crystal Palace.
Beset by financial problems, the Desjardins train catastrophe and a cholera outbreak, local politicians felt the city needed to boost peoples morale. In 1858, council recommended that Hamilton host the Provincial Exhibition in 1860, and they wanted to build something spectacular for the occasion, perhaps a crystal palace. Crystal palaces were the precursors of todays industrial fair structures and places like Dublin, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto,(Submitted on July 17, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)Kingston and London Ontario each built their own versions. The idea of building the crystal palace became more important when the city learned that the Prince of Wales would be visiting Hamilton.Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 3, 20232. Crystal Palace and Grounds MarkerThe marker has been defaced.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
3. Crystal Palace and Grounds Marker detail
Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
4. Crystal Palace and Grounds Marker detail
July 17, 2023
5. Crystal Palace Grounds, as shown on a city map of 1885
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 877 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
