Goderich in Huron County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Founding of Goderich
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La Fondation de Goderich
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 15, 2026
1. The Founding of Goderich Marker
In 1826 the Canada Company, a newly chartered colonization firm, acquired a large block of land known as the Huron Tract. The following year William “Tiger” Dunlop, appointed Warden of the Forests by the Company's first superintendent, John Galt, established his base here in the western part of the Tract. Named Goderich after the Colonial Secretary, Viscount Goderich, the site was initially marked only by "The Castle”, Dunlop's residence, but a settlement gradually developed. By 1829 the Canada Company had surveyed a town plot, opened the Huron Road from Guelph, and established an office. In 1841 Goderich became the administrative and judicial centre for the newly created Huron District. Nine years later, with a population of about 1,000, the community was incorporated as a town.
En 1826, Canada Company, société dotée d'une charte à des fins de colonisation, acquiert un immense territoire que l'on appelait Huron Tract. L'année suivante, William Tiger Dunlop, nomme garde forestier par John Galt premier directeur de la société, établic ici dans la partie ouest du domaine, son port d'attache. Nomme Goderich en l’honneur du vicomte Goderich, alors Secretaire aux colonies ce site que seule distingue la cabine que Dunlop appelle son chateau se développe peu à peu. En 1829, Canada Company a déjà loti le verrain, construit la route de Guelph et ouvert un bureau. Goderich devient en 1841 le centre administratif et judiciaire du nouveau district de Huron. Neuf ans plus tard, avec ses 1000 habitants, le village accède au rang de ville.
Erected 1963
this page online
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 1826.
Location. 43° 44.625′ N, 81° 43.216′ W. Marker is in Goderich, Ontario, in Huron County. It can be reached from Harbour Street. The marker is in Lions Harbour Park, accessible on foot approx. 120 metres west from the park entrance on Harbour Street, or the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 166 Harbour St, Goderich ON N7A 2K9, 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: Tiger Dunlop’s Castle (a few steps from this marker); Tornado 2011 (within shouting distance of this marker); Canada Company Headquarters (within shouting distance
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 15, 2026
2. The Founding of Goderich / La Fondation de Goderich Marker
French side
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 15, 2026
3. The Founding of Goderich / La Fondation de Goderich Marker
Facing the English language side
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 15, 2026
4. The Founding of Goderich / La Fondation de Goderich Marker
5. Plan for the town of Goderich, 1829
University of Guelph (public domain)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 15, 2026
6. The Founding of Goderich / La Fondation de Goderich Marker
Facing the French language side
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 1, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
