Brockville in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Ogle Robert Gowan, 1803-1876

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2014

1. Ogle Robert Gowan, 1803-1876 Marker

Inscription.
A prominent provincial politician, Gowan was born in County Wexford, Ireland. He came to Upper Canada in 1829 and immediately immersed himself in political affairs. Drawing upon his experience in the Irish Orange Order, Gowan established the Grand Orange Lodge of British North America in 1830 and , as the first Canadian grand master, ably guided the organization during its formative years. In 1836 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly, representing this area intermittently until 1861. A shrewd strategist and an effective orator, he gradually broadened his influence, using his newspaper, the “Brockville Statesman,” to promote his political views. Following his retirement from provincial politics, Gowan continued to work for the retention of strong ties with Britain, a cause he had upheld throughout his career.

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

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 44° 35.422′ N,

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75° 41.092′ W. Marker is in Brockville, Ontario, in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. It is on Court House Square close to Court House Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Court House Square, Brockville ON K6V 3X2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Ontario

and specifically in Southeastern 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: Hubbell Building (here, next to this marker); Court House Avenue (a few steps from this marker); Gen. Sir Isaac Brock. K.C.B. (a few steps from this marker); Major General Sir Isaac Brock (within shouting distance of this marker); Brockville Infantry Company / The Brockville Rifles (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnstown District Court House and Gaol

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2014

2. Ogle Robert Gowan, 1803-1876 Marker

The marker is to the left of the tree.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Morris House (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Brockville Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brockville.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.