Tag Archives: John Graves Simcoe

Toronto #10: The Story of Government House

The story of Ontario’s Government House and the official residences of the Lt. Governor from Simcoe’s tent to the first solid structure burned by … Continue reading

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Toronto #8: The Blackburn Story – Slaves on the Run

The story of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, slaves on the run from Kentucky, is brought to life with help from the Provincial Marine re-enactment … Continue reading

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Toronto #7: The story of William Lyon Mackenzie

Elected to the Legislature in his later years and expelled from Parliament five times, Toronto’s First Mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, was a prolific journalist, … Continue reading

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1812 – Part 14: Discovery Harbour and Penetanguishene

 Even though the Treaty of Ghent had been signed at the conclusion of the War of 1812, the British were still concerned that … Continue reading

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1812 – Part 5: Rebuilding Fort York

After the Battle of York, the Americans destroyed the Fort, the Governor’s House and the Parliament Buildings. They then decided that the town of … Continue reading

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Toronto 175 – Part 4: Churches and Chestnuts

Religious fervor in the late 1700s when the Simcoes arrived, the challenges of building wooden churches in the early days of York, how Bishop … Continue reading

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1812 – Part 4: The Battle of York

During the War of 1812 an American squadron attacks York (today’s Toronto) and burns the fort and government buildings. The British retaliate.

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Toronto 175 – Part 2: The Founding of York

  Simcoe chooses a natural harbour for the foundations of York and builds a Fort at the entrance to protect the new town.

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Toronto 175 – Part 1: In the beginning

A natural harbour and a perfect meeting place for the First Nations peoples who first visited the area to fish and hunt.  Later French … Continue reading

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