Kerr Village in Oakville in Halton Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Young Port Matures

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 8, 2024

1. The Young Port Matures Marker

Inscription. For fifty years, wind-driven fleets carried freight from Oakville. Schooner after schooner left the harbour filled with squared pine timbers, oak staves and wheat, returning with immigrants and merchandise.

A forest of masts extended from the lake to the Colborne (now Lakeshore) Street bridge. Grain warehouses lined the east bank. A lighthouse built at the end of the pier was visible for ten miles.

Oakville reached the height of its shipping trade in the 1850s. It became an official Canadian Port of Entry, collecting duties on imports from the United States, with William Chisholm acting as customs agent.

The Oakville Harbour Company re-dredged the harbour entrance and enlarged the east pier in the 1860s so that wagons with double teams could drive around the lighthouse.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list.

Location. 43° 26.539′ N, 79° 40.278′ W. Marker is in Oakville, Ontario, in Halton Region. It is in Kerr Village. It is on Francis Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is in Shipyard Park, just north of the Lyon’s Log Cabin, approx. 200 metres from

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the park’s entrance at Forsythe and Francis Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakville ON L6K L6K, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto,

specifically on the 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: Oakville: Resort Town on Lake Ontario (here, next to this marker); Oakville’s Yachting Heritage (here, next to this marker); Days of Sail and Steam (here, next to this marker); William Chisholm’s Vision (here, next to this marker); The Evolution of a Port Town (here, next to this marker); Lyon’s Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Lighthouse (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Oakville’s Meeting Hall (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakville.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 8, 2024

2. The Young Port Matures Marker

The Young Port Matures marker photo detail image. Click for full size.

courtesy Oakville Historical Society, 1876

3. The Young Port Matures marker photo detail

courtesy Oakville Historical Society

4. The Young Port Matures marker photo detail

courtesy Oakville Historical Society, 1894

5. The Young Port Matures marker photo detail

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 18, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.