Toronto – History

Toronto began as a French trading post built around Fort Rouillé in 1751. During America’s War of Independence, the area was purchased from the Mississaugas to develop a new settlement. This resulted in the capital of Upper Canada being moved to Toronto in 1793, which was originally named “York”. Originally designed to be a military outpost, York was ultimately named the permanent capital in 1796. America’s Revolutionary War saw fighting break out around the city in 1813, only ending two years after the war was over.

It was during this period that the city began to grow. Infrastructure was unable to keep up with the rocketing population, resulting in it being given the nickname “Muddy York”. The city was ultimately incorporated and nicknamed Toronto in 1834. The city’s first mayor was adamant about making major reforms to Upper Canada, which resulted in a  rebellion and ultimately a defeat in 1837.

During the following century, Toronto continued to grow in both population and economic stability. The rapid increase in meat packing earned the city the nickname “Hogtown”. World War II saw the city become a major post for Canada’s military personnel. This fueled economic growth as many of the city’s civil manufacturing and other industrial locations were converted to allow for the production of much needed war-time materials. The ending of World War II resulted in an influx of immigration. Infrastructure investment was made and Toronto flourished as a truly world-class city.

Throughout the 1970s, Toronto’s population grew and surpassed Montreal. Much of this was contributed to the continued influx of immigration, including by many from both Asia and Africa. The city was solidified as the cultural center of English-speaking Canada and the 1980s saw many of Canada’s largest corporations including banks and media outlets migrate their headquarters to the city. In a period of mass development of skyscrapers and new construction into the 1990s, many of the city’s original buildings were lost. As a result, Toronto’s citizens lobbied local government to prevent the further demolition of historical buildings and structures.

Modern Toronto continues to thrive as a world-class city. It is said to have the second highest proportion of immigrants in the world after Miami, bringing a unique blend of world cultures to the entertainment, food and cultural scenes of the city. In recent years, the city has experienced a condo boom which has seen the development of thousands of new luxury apartments and increased the overall housing market pricing in a short period of time. Toronto is currently listed as the fastest growing city in North America.

Historical Locations

Fort York National Historic Site
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-6907
Business Hours:
– January 2 – May 23, Weekdays: 10am–4pm, Weekends: 10am–5pm
– May 24 (Victoria Day) – September 5: 10am–5pm daily
– Sept. 6 – January 1, Weekdays: 10am–4pm, Weekends: 10am–5pm
– Days of Operation: Historic Fort York is open year round, closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day (Dec. 25), Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).
Admission cost:
– Adults: $14.00
– Seniors (65+): $10.00
– Youth (13–18 yrs.): $8.00
– Children (6–12 yrs.): $6.00
– Children (5 and under): FREE
– Family (2 adults 3 children): $35.00
Website

George Brown House
Address: 186 Beverley St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L4, Canada
Phone: +1 416-314-3585
Admission cost:
– Free online virtual tour
Website

Distillery Historic District
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Phone: +1 416-364-1177
Business Hours:
– Open daily from 10am to 7pm
– Statutory Holidays 12pm – 5pm
– Open every day except December 25
Website