Born in Scotland, Dawson immigrated to Canada as a young man and began his career as a civil engineer. In 1857, as a member of a Canadian government expedition, he surveyed a line of road from the Lakehead to Fort Garry and in 1858-59, further explored that area. His report greatly stimulated Canadian interest in the West. In 1868, he began construction of a wagon and water route following his earlier survey. It was traversed in 1870 by the Wolseley Expedition, sent to preserve order during the first Riel uprising. Dawson represented Algoma in the Ontario legislature 1875-78 and in the Dominion parliament 1878-91.

Location

In Hillcrest Park, High Street, Thunder Bay

Themes

• Communities
• People
• Transportation systems and communications