Dundurn C in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Great Western Railway
Photographed By Tim Boyd, September 15, 2023
1. The Great Western Railway Marker
In the early 1800s, city promoters campaigned vigorously to bring a railway to Hamilton. In 1849, local industry and municipal government backed the construction of the Great Western Railway (GWR).
The first train left Hamilton on November 1, 1853 bound for Niagara Falls. By 1855, Hamilton had become linked by rail to towns and cities in all directions.
The GWR established foundries and machine shops to repair and manufacture engines. It also established Ontario's first rolling mill in 1863 to shape wrought iron into rails.
Employing hundreds of workers, the railway was a major part of Hamilton's economic life. It attracted many industries to the city. The local economy flourished and Hamilton became one of Canada's major industrial centres.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is November 1, 1853.
Location. 43° 16.259′ N, 79° 52.865′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Dundurn C. Marker can be reached from Waterfront Trail. The marker is on the Waterfront Trail, approx. 1 km from the Bayfront Park parking lot, which is accessible from the intersection of Bay Street North and Harbour Front Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton ON L8R, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
this page online
Also see . . . trainweb.org - Great Western Railway.
Construction was begun on the G.W.R. in 1851, after the municipalities along the projected route bought great amounts of stock to finance the effort. Materials and locomotives had to be brought in from England and the United States, making their way to their final destination by ox-cart. On January 17, 1854, the first train set off from Niagara to Windsor. The official celebration in Hamilton took place two days later. Business in the city was suspended as residents crowded downtown to watch the parade and fireworks.(Submitted on September 15, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
Photographed By Tim Boyd, September 15, 2023
2. The Great Western Railway Marker
3. The Great Western Railway marker detail (bottom left)
4. The Great Western Railway marker detail (top right)
5. The Great Western Railway marker detail (centre top)
1892
6. The Great Western Railway station and yard in Hamilton, 1892
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on October 26, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 15, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
