Harriston in Wellington County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Founding of Harriston

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

1. The Founding of Harriston Marker

Inscription. In 1854 Archibald Harrison (1818-77), a Toronto-area farmer, acquired land here in Minto Township where the Elora and Saugeen Road crossed the Mattland River. Mills built by Harrison's brothers, Joshua and George, formed the nucleus of a small settlement and in 1856 a post-office, Harriston, was established. The hamlet grew slowly, but from 1862 agricultural development stimulated local trade. By 1867, with a population of about 150, the village contained many businesses, including blacksmith shops and wagon-works. The construction of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway, completed to Harriston in 1871, spurred the community's growth as a prosperous commercial and farm-implement manufacturing centre. Harriston was incorporated as a Village with about 500 inhabitants in 1872, and as a Town in 1878.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 43° 54.706′ N, 80° 52.133′ W.

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Marker is in Harriston, Ontario, in Wellington County. It is at the intersection of Elora Street South and Mill Street, on the right when traveling south on Elora Street South. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 88 Mill Street, Harriston ON N0G 1Z0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

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 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Harriston Cenotaph (here, next to this marker); Old Town Hall, Harriston (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriston Post Office (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Rev. John Smithurst 1807-1867 (approx. 8.2 kilometers away); Heritage Armour Stone (approx. 8.8 kilometers away); Steam Engine (Old) 81 (Palmerston)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

2. The Founding of Harriston Marker

(approx. 8.8 kilometers away); In Proud Memory of CN Employees (approx. 8.8 kilometers away); Arthur (Art) William Carr (approx. 8.8 kilometers away).

The Village of Harriston in 1878 image. Click for full size.

3. The Village of Harriston in 1878

Showing the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railroad Source: McGill University

Elora Street in Harriston, 2025 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

4. Elora Street in Harriston, 2025

Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.