Township of Machin in Kenora District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Fowler Family and The Last Spike at Feist Lake
John Fowler (1812-1900) was a railway contractor from Yorkshire who emigrated to southern Ontario where he built the Grafton-Cobourg section of the Grand Trunk Railway, leased the Port Hope, Lindsay & Beaverton Railway, and acquired the charter for the Ontario & Québec Railway. In 1882, his son Robert (1857-1928) was assistant engineer in charge of constructing the last section of the railway being built by the Canadian government between Lake Superior and the prairies. His sister Jennie (1854–1938) journeyed to visit him in the northwestern Ontario wilderness. Jennie Fowler later recalled that it was she, at Robert's invitation, who drove the last spike on the line near Feist Lake on June 19, 1882.
Erected by John & Jane (Prud'homme) Fowler Trust Foundation with the assistance of the Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Railroads & Streetcars • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1882.
Location. 49° 50.81′ N, 93° 51.5′ W. Marker is in Township of Machin, Ontario, in Kenora District. Marker is on Trans-Canada Highway (Provincial Highway 17) 10 kilometers east of Willard Lake Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in an unpaved pull-out on the south side of the highway on the shores of Little Joe Lake. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Township of Machin ON P0V, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Last Spike at Feist Lake (a few steps from this marker).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2017, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2017, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec.