Aurora in York Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Aurora Armoury
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Manège Militaire d’Aurora
Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026
1. Aurora Armoury Marker
Built in 1874 as a drill shed for the 12th Battalion of Infantry or York Rangers, the Aurora Armoury was part of a network of defence training facilities for citizen soldiers. It evokes the larger stories and traditions of the province's militia regiments, recruited regionally, and possessing close affiliations with their communities of origin. The armoury was also the site of Edward Blake's famous "Aurora speech" of 1874, in which the prominent politician and former Ontario premier called upon the federal government of Liberal Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie to implement nationalistic and electoral reforms. The speech exemplifies how drill halls and armouries fulfil civic roles in the lives of their communities. The oldest purpose-built armoury still used by the military in Ontario, the Aurora drill shed is home to elements of The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC).
Construit en 1874 comme remise de bois pour les exercices militaires du 12e bataillon d'infanterie ou York Rangers, le manège militaire d'Aurora faisait partie
this page online
Erected by Ontario Heritage Trust.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 43° 59.946′ N, 79° 27.71′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Ontario, in York Region. It is at the intersection of Mosley Street and Larmont Street when
Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026
2. Aurora Armoury / Manège Militaire d’Aurora Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area, and 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: The Town Park (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); “The Morrison House” (about 210 meters away); Hartman’s Corners School (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); First Steam Train 1853 / 1853: Le Premier Train à Vapeur (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); "The Old Post Office" (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Doan Hall (approx. half a kilometer away); The Settlement of Aurora (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); A Place to Relax and Celebrate (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026
3. Aurora Armoury / Manège Militaire d’Aurora Marker
Facing west on Mosley Street
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
