The Founding of Wiarton

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2005

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Plaque Location

The County of Bruce
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula
In Wiarton, at the town hall entrance on George Street
near the southwest corner with Bedford Street (Highway 6)

Coordinates: N 44 44.510 W 81 08.473

Plaque Text

In 1855 a town-plot was laid out here on recently acquired Indian land and named Wiarton, reputedly after the English birthplace of Edmund Head, Governor General of Canada (1854-61). Settlement commenced in 1866 and two years later a post-office was established. Agricultural prosperity, excellent harbour facilities and extensive sawmilling operations stimulated the community's growth as an important Great Lakes industrial centre. In 1880, with a population of about 750, it was incorporated as a Village. The operation of the Stratford and Lake Huron line of the Grand Trunk Railway, opened to Wiarton in 1882, facilitated its continued development particularly in milling and the manufacturers of wood products. With over 2,000 inhabitants, the thriving community became a Town in 1894.

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