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. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 43° 7.32′ N, 79° 12.038′ W. Marker is in Thorold, Ontario, in Niagara Region. Marker 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

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Memory of Unknown American Soldiers (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Laura Ingersoll Secord (about 120 meters away); Beaver Dams (about 120 meters away); Arthur S. Whelan (about 150 meters away); In Memory of John Bean, Ph.D., M.D. (about 150 meters away); Old Thorold Firehall (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Lock 24 - First Welland Canal (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); Vertical Lift Bridges (approx. 3.7 kilometers 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

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

2. The Founding of Thorold Marker

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 683 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.