Acton in Halton Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Acton

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

1. Acton Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Methodist preachers Ezra and Zenas Adams and their brother Rufus settled on the west branch of the Credit River in the 1820s. A community of pioneer families grew around the Adams family farms. Nicklin's saw and grist mill and Nelles' tannery operated here by the early 1840s. They were the nucleus of a hamlet first named Danville, then Adamsville after its first settlers and, by 1844. Acton. In 1856 the Grand Trunk Railway arrived, stimulating growth east along Mill Street from the river to the railway station. By 1869 Acton had some 700 inhabitants and boasted woodworking mills, tanneries, glove makers and a carriage works. It was incorporated as a village on January 6,1874.

Dans les années 1820. Ezra et Zenas Adams, pasteurs méthodistes, et leur frère Rufus s'établissent près du bras ouest de la Credit. Peu à peu des familles de pionniers se fixent autour des fermes de la famille Adams. Au début des années 1840. s'ouvrent la scierie et le moulin de Nicklin, la tannerie de Nelles, qui constituent le noyau du hameau appelé d'abord Danville, puis Adamsville, du nom des premiers pionniers et, en 1844, Acton.

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En 1856 la compagnie ferroviaire du Grand Trunk stimule la croissance vers l'est, le long de la rue Mill, de la rivière à la gare. En 1869, Acton comptait 700 habitants et possédait des menuiseries, des tanneries, des ganteries et une usine de construction de hippomobiles à cheval. Acton est incorporé comme village le 6 janvier 1874.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1874.

Location. 43° 37.9′ N, 80° 2.627′ W. Marker is in Acton, Ontario, in Halton Region. It is at the intersection of Main Street North (Highway 70 and River Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street North (Highway 70. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 65 ON-7, Acton ON L7J 1C2, 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

Acton Marker [français] image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

2. Acton Marker [français]

Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: 2001 - Present Day Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry (within shouting distance of this marker); Mid-to-Late 1900s Acton Quarry & Its Commercial Operations (within shouting distance of this marker); Late 1800s - 1900s Lime Kiln Technology (within shouting distance of this marker); 1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden (within shouting distance of this marker); Acton Town Hall (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Villanore (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Syndicate Houses Heritage District (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); NcNiven-Elliott House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Acton.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

3. Acton Marker

Acton in 1861 image. Click for full size.

4. Acton in 1861

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 7, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.