Dryden in Kenora District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Our Agricultural Roots
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 12, 2022
1. Our Agricultural Roots Marker
In 1894, The Honourable John Dryden, Minister of Agriculture, travelled to Northwestern Ontario to explore the commercial possibilities of the region. He found clover growing in abundance and, at that time, there was a demand for clover on the international market.
In 1895, the Minister of Agriculture and the Crown Lands Agency set up an experimental farm in Dryden. It consisted of 320 acres and was located immediately north of what is now Highway 17. Property was also set aside for an agricultural fairgrounds and a cemetery.
The first spring planting included wheat, barley, oats, a few roots and clover. A farmhouse was built using local timber and A. E. Annis became manager of the pioneer farm as well as the area's first Crown Lands Agent. To attract farmers from Southern Ontario, the Minister of Agriculture put out a pamphlet promoting the area's fertile soil and its abundance of forest and water resources.
Markets in the area, Winnipeg and Kenora to the west and Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) to the east, were accessible only by rail. At the same time, there were only dirt tracks leading a short distance out of the settlement.
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The early settlement was known as New Prospect. In 1899, the community incorporated into the Township of Van Horne and again in 1910 into the Town of Dryden, named after The Honourable John Dryden. On January 1, 1998 Dryden amalgamated with Barclay Township to become the City of Dryden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 49° 47.191′ N, 92° 50.695′ W. Marker is in Dryden, Ontario, in Kenora District. It is at the intersection of King Street and Provincial Highway 17, on the right when traveling south on King Street. The marker is located in a small pedestrian plaza at the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dryden ON P8N 2N9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Ontario and specifically in Northwest Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 12, 2022
2. Our Agricultural Roots Marker
Looking east across King Street at the northern edge of Dryden. Ontario Highway 17 crosses King Street on the left.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Dryden Mill (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); "Pieces of Dryden" (about 210 meters away); William Jennings (Bill) Silver (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Frederick Russell Hawke (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); 25 King Street (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Smith Building (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); A. Grant Fumerton (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dryden.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
