In 1801, Joseph Hill, attracted by the water-power potential of the Holland River, built a grist-mill on the site of present-day Newmarket and opened a general store. The settlement here in 1803-1804 of Elisha Beman, a major local landowner and entrepreneur, provided a strong stimulus for the community's growth and, within a few years, the village had emerged as the market centre for the rich, surrounding agricultural region. The arrival of the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Union Railroad in 1853 strengthened this position, contributing to Newmarket's incorporation as a village four years later. Because of its success in attracting financial investment, the village prospered and, in 1880, Newmarket, with over 2,000 inhabitants, was incorporated as a town by an act of the provincial legislature.

Location

In Wesley Brooks Memorial Park, Water and Main streets, Newmarket

Themes

• Agriculture
• Communities
• Transportation systems and communications