Thorold in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

First Cotton Factory

Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 7, 2024

1. First Cotton Factory Marker

Inscription. The first cotton goods produced in this province were being manufactured in Thorold in 1847. The mill, a joint stock company founded by local citizens, included Jacob Keefer as president and James Munro as secretary, and was located near here. About twenty looms, driven by water power, produced unbleached sheetings, scrim and cotton batting. The factory operated till about 1849. A few years later, after a period of renewed activity under different ownership, it was destroyed by fire. This cotton mill was the forerunner of what later developed into an important provincial industry.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 43° 7.508′ N, 79° 12.119′ W. Marker is in Thorold, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is at the intersection of Albert Street West and Towpath Street, on the right when traveling west on Albert Street West. The marker is in Jaycee Centennial Park. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 12 Albert Street West, Thorold ON L2V 2G2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

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: Old Thorold Firehall (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire Bell (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Stone Store c. 1853 (about 90 meters away); The Welland Mills / Le Moulin de Welland (about 90 meters away); Millstone From Welland Mills c. 1846 (about 90 meters away); Macartney Drug Store c. 1872 (about 120 meters away); Macartney Drug Store (about 120 meters away); Dominion Government Building (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thorold.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 7, 2024

2. First Cotton Factory Marker

Thorold in 1873, showing various mills and factories image. Click for full size.

3. Thorold in 1873, showing various mills and factories

Source: Brock University

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on September 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.