Stratford in Perth County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Founding of Stratford
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La Fondation de Stratford
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 28, 2026
1. The Founding of Stratford side of marker
In 1832, some three years after company surveyors had erected shanties near this site, the Canada Company, a large private land settlement agency initiated the development of "Little Thames” as the market centre for the eastern Huron Tract. By 1834 a tavern, sawmill and grist mill existed here and a year later a post office called Stratford was opened. Settlement was slow until the early 1850s when the advent of the railway and the designation of Stratford as county town transformed the village into thriving administrative and commercial centre. Expansion of the community was accelerated after 1871 when railway repair yards were located here and in 1885 with a population of 9,000 Stratford, was incorporated as a city.
En 1832, environ trois ans après la construction des premières cabanes par ses arpenteurs, la Canada Company une grande agence privée de colonisation des terres, amorça l’aménagement de "Little Thames” comme marché pour l'est du Huron Tract. Dès 1834, il y avait une taverne, une scierie et un moulin à farine, et un
this page online
Erected 1982 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 1832.
Location. 43° 22.355′ N, 80° 59.092′ W. Marker is in Stratford, Ontario, in Perth County. It is at the intersection of Huron Street and T J Dolan Drive, on the right when traveling north on Huron Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 William St, Stratford ON N5A N5A, 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 walking distance of this marker: The Dutch Memorial Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); God’s Holy Acre (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. James Church (about 180 meters away); The Stratford War Memorial
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 28, 2026
2. La Fondation de Stratford side of marker
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 28, 2026
3. The Founding of Stratford / La Fondation de Stratford Marker
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 28, 2026
4. The Founding of Stratford / La Fondation de Stratford Marker
From the Huron Street Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 2, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
