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

The Founding of Thorold

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

1. The Founding of Thorold Marker

Inscription. During the construction of the original Welland Canal, 1824-1829, a number of communities sprung up along its length. Here, on land belonging to George Keefer, a village known as Thorold had developed by 1828. A large flouring mill was built on the canal and the Thorold Township post office was moved from Beaverdams to the new settlement by Jacob Keefer. By 1831 two sawmills were in operation and in 1835 the village contained 370 inhabitants. During the 1840's the building of the Welland Mills, then one of the largest flour mills in Canada, and the establishment of Ontario's first cotton factory, stimulated the community's growth. It was incorporated as a Village in 1850, as a Town in 1875 and as a City in 1975.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the The Welland Canals series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 43° 7.32′ N, 79° 12.038′ W.

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Marker is in Thorold, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from Sullivan Avenue just south of Towpath Road. This historical marker is located in the Beaverdams Battlefield Park, about halfway between the parking lot on Ormond Street South across from Portland Street and the Sullivan Avenue pedestrian entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thorold ON L2V, 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: Lock 25 - Second Welland Canal 1841-1845 (here, next to this marker); The 1827 Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); The JB Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of John Bean, Ph.D., M.D. (within shouting distance of this

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

2. The Founding of Thorold Marker

marker); In Memory of Unknown American Soldiers (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Beaver Dams (about 90 meters away); City of Thorold Time Capsule (about 90 meters away); Laura Ingersoll Secord (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thorold.

More about this marker. Although this historical marker is located in the Beaverdams Battlefield Park, this park is NOT the site of the Beaverdams Battlefield. This battle actually took place at a location some distance to the southeast. However, the space for this park was apparently originally part of the right-of-way for one of the earlier versions of the Welland Canal and when this version of the canal fell out of use, the canal was filled in and this portion of the canal right of way was converted into a community park. Just to the south of this historical marker one can partially see, exposed above ground, what is left of one of the old canal locks.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

3. The Founding of Thorold Marker

View looking north of the historical marker with a view of the Beaverdams Battlefield Memorials in the distant background.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

4. The Founding of Thorold Marker

View looking south of the historical marker in the foreground and a partially visible canal lock in the background.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

5. The Founding of Thorold Marker

A closer view of the partially visible canal lock that is just south of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 945 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.