Before this region was settled, several Indian trails intersected here at a ford in Twelve Mile Creek. They were improved by early settlers and a church was erected at the crossroads by 1798. A tavern soon followed and a settlement, known as St. Catharines or Shipman's Corners, developed. After the War of 1812, the community expanded largely through the efforts of William Hamilton Merritt. He was the chief promoter of the first Welland Canal, built in 1824-33, which made St. Catharines a centre for water transportation and provided abundant water power for industry. Factories and mills were established and St. Catharines became a leading flour milling and ship building centre. It was incorporated as a Town in 1845 and as a City of 1876.

Location

At the municipal building, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines

Themes

• Communities
• Industry and trade
• Transportation systems and communications