Newmarket in York Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Founding of Newmarket
Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026
1. The Founding of Newmarket Marker
Inscription.
The Founding of Newmarket. . In 1801 Joseph Hill, attracted by the water-power potential of the Holland River, built a grist mill on the site of present-day Newmarket and opened a general store. The settlement here in 1803-1804 of Elisha Beman, a major local landowner and entrepreneur, provided a strong stimulus for the community's growth and within a few years the village had emerged as the market-centre for the rich surrounding agricultural region. The arrival of the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Union Railroad in 1853 strengthened this position, contributing to Newmarket's incorporation as a village four years later. Because of its success in attracting financial investment the village prospered and in 1880 Newmarket, with over 2000 inhabitants, was incorporated as a town by an act of the provincial legislature.
In 1801 Joseph Hill, attracted by the water-power potential of the Holland River, built a grist mill on the site of present-day Newmarket and opened a general store. The settlement here in 1803-1804 of Elisha Beman, a major local landowner and entrepreneur, provided a strong stimulus for the community's growth and within a few years the village had emerged as the market-centre for the rich surrounding agricultural region. The arrival of the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Union Railroad in 1853 strengthened this position, contributing to Newmarket's incorporation as a village four years later. Because of its success in attracting financial investment the village prospered and in 1880 Newmarket, with over 2000 inhabitants, was incorporated as a town by an act of the provincial legislature.
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 year for this entry is 1801.
Location. 44° 3.084′ N, 79° 27.333′ W. Marker is in Newmarket, Ontario,
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in York Region. It is at the intersection of Water Street and Main Stteet, on the right when traveling east on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Water Street, Newmarket ON L3Y 1M5, Canada. Touch for directions.
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 Ruperts Land.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 18, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
