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History of Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Journey back in time to Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Explore Goderich, Ontario, Canada! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Goderich Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

The Town of Goderich came into being as an indirect result of the war of 1812-14. During that war the settlers in the vicinity of Lakes Ontario and Erie had suffered much loss, both from the soldiers billeted on them and from invaders. In an attempt to recompense them, John Galt and a group of investors in England formed the Canada Company. The British government granted the company 1,100,000 acres of the land it had recently acquired from the Chippewa First Nation.The plan was that the land would be sold to settlers and part of the profits used to settle the war claims. As it turned out, the claimants received nothing...
John Galt arrived on June 29, 182y by ship from Penetanguishene. This is the date celebrated as founder's day...
The Town plan was designed by John Galt...
Goderich was to be headquarters for the distribution of land at the west end of the Huron Tract...
The Town was incorporated in 1850, Harbour Hill was graded soon after...
goderich.ca
Explore even more about Goderich, Ontario, Canada. Keep reading!
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CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
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Discover Goderich: History, News, Travel, and Stories

In 1859 a railroad line throuhg Goderich was built by the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1866 - Goderich - petroleum exploration crews found a massive ancient salt deposit about 980 feet under the surface.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1869 - Goderich
"Goderich.— The County Town of Union, Township of Godcrich, is situated on Lake Huron, at the mouth of the Maitland River. It is a port of entry, has a good harbor, and being the ternminus of the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway, affords excellent facilities for the transportation of merchandise, grain, ice. to and from the Western States, by way of Chicago and Milwaukee. In summer it has daily communication by steamer with Detroit, Sarnia, Kincardine, Saugeen &c. It is surrounded by a tine wheat growing country, which, with its fisheries, and the immense salt beds recently discovered, have added materially to the prosperity of the town. Distant from Stratford, 44 miles ; Sarnia, 65 ; Toronto, 180 ; Buffalo, N. Y., 160. Money order office and Savings Bank. Population 4,500."
The Province of Ontario Gazetteer and Directory: Containing Concise Descriptions of Cities, Towns and Villages in the Province...
Henry McEvoy January 1, 1869 Robertson & Cook
"Goderich.— The County Town of Union, Township of Godcrich, is situated on Lake Huron, at the mouth of the Maitland River. It is a port of entry, has a good harbor, and being the ternminus of the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway, affords excellent facilities for the transportation of merchandise, grain, ice. to and from the Western States, by way of Chicago and Milwaukee. In summer it has daily communication by steamer with Detroit, Sarnia, Kincardine, Saugeen &c. It is surrounded by a tine wheat growing country, which, with its fisheries, and the immense salt beds recently discovered, have added materially to the prosperity of the town. Distant from Stratford, 44 miles ; Sarnia, 65 ; Toronto, 180 ; Buffalo, N. Y., 160. Money order office and Savings Bank. Population 4,500."
The Province of Ontario Gazetteer and Directory: Containing Concise Descriptions of Cities, Towns and Villages in the Province...
Henry McEvoy January 1, 1869 Robertson & Cook
1895 - Goderich
"Goderich, a port of entry of Ontario, chief town of the co, of Huron, on Lake Huron, and at the N. terminus of the Buffalo & Goderich Branch of the Grand ' Railway, 160 miles N.W. of Buffalo, and 78 miles .N.W. of London. It has Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, 2 branch banks, : hotels, and a number of stores; also manufactories of woollens, iron castings, machinery, leather, boots and shoes, wooden-ware, &c., saw- and grist-mills, and 8 salt-wells. Goderich has communication by steamers with Sarnia and Detroit and ports on Lake Huron. It has a good harbor, protected by a pier, with a light house at the mouth of the Maitland River. Two weekly newspapers are published in Goderich. Pop. in 1891, 3839."
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
"Goderich, a port of entry of Ontario, chief town of the co, of Huron, on Lake Huron, and at the N. terminus of the Buffalo & Goderich Branch of the Grand ' Railway, 160 miles N.W. of Buffalo, and 78 miles .N.W. of London. It has Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, 2 branch banks, : hotels, and a number of stores; also manufactories of woollens, iron castings, machinery, leather, boots and shoes, wooden-ware, &c., saw- and grist-mills, and 8 salt-wells. Goderich has communication by steamers with Sarnia and Detroit and ports on Lake Huron. It has a good harbor, protected by a pier, with a light house at the mouth of the Maitland River. Two weekly newspapers are published in Goderich. Pop. in 1891, 3839."
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
2023 - Whether you're interested in exploring the outdoors, experiencing local culture, or simply relaxing by the lake, there's something for everyone in this lovely town. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Goderich:
Goderich Main Beach: Start your visit with a trip to the Goderich Main Beach. This sandy stretch of shoreline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. The sunsets here are legendary, so make sure to catch one if you can.
Huron Historic Gaol: Explore a piece of history at the Huron Historic Gaol, a well-preserved 19th-century prison. Take a guided tour to learn about the lives of inmates and the history of the justice system in Canada.
Marine Museum: Visit the Marine Museum to discover the rich maritime heritage of Goderich and the Great Lakes region. You can see a collection of ship models, artifacts, and exhibits related to the town's nautical history.
Goderich Lighthouse: The Goderich Lighthouse, also known as the 'Celtic Cross Lighthouse,' is an iconic symbol of the town. You can visit it and take in panoramic views of Lake Huron from the top.
Parks and Trails: Goderich boasts several parks and scenic trails. Maitland Woods... Read MORE...
Goderich Main Beach: Start your visit with a trip to the Goderich Main Beach. This sandy stretch of shoreline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. The sunsets here are legendary, so make sure to catch one if you can.
Huron Historic Gaol: Explore a piece of history at the Huron Historic Gaol, a well-preserved 19th-century prison. Take a guided tour to learn about the lives of inmates and the history of the justice system in Canada.
Marine Museum: Visit the Marine Museum to discover the rich maritime heritage of Goderich and the Great Lakes region. You can see a collection of ship models, artifacts, and exhibits related to the town's nautical history.
Goderich Lighthouse: The Goderich Lighthouse, also known as the 'Celtic Cross Lighthouse,' is an iconic symbol of the town. You can visit it and take in panoramic views of Lake Huron from the top.
Parks and Trails: Goderich boasts several parks and scenic trails. Maitland Woods... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Goderich Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Goderich, Ontario, Canada
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Goderich.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Goderich, Ontario, Canada
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