History of Blind River, Algoma, Ontario, Canada

When the fur trade slowed about 1820, the Hudson's Bay Company purchased the North West Company. A number of trappers settled along the rivers flowing into Lake Huron.
One of these rivers, just three miles (5 km) east of the Mississagi mouth, was called Penewobecong which translates to "smooth rock or sloping". The voyageurs named this river the Blind River because the mouth was not visible along the canoe route. The name Blind River was adopted by the settlement that grew at the mouth of the river.
wikipedia.org

(Blind River) - The first sawmill in the area was built in 1853 when Joseph Salvail selected the area at the eastern outlet of the Blind River over sites closer to Bruce Mines for his enterprise.
The Blind River site was attractive because dams could be constructed at both the east and west river outlets, thus creating a log storage pond as well as water power for the sawmill.
www.oldmillmotel.ca/ history.htm

1898 - Église de la Sainte-Famille established at Blind River

www.gcatholic.org

1916
Blind River, a post-village of Algoma district, Ontario, on the Canadian Pacific R. Pop. about 150. The banking point is Thessalon.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

In 1955 uranium was discovered near Blind River. The first uranium mine began operation as the Pronto Mine in Algoma Mills.

wikipedia.org

1962 - CAR PLUNGES INTO RIVER; FIVE PERISH.
Blind River, Ont. (AP) - A car carrying six young persons skidded on an icy curve near here today and plunged into the Cataract River. Only one escaped alive.
GARY HAMILTON, 20, of Blind River, walked a mile in freezing temperatures to the farm of Lucien Labbe. He and Labbe returned to the scene in a futile attempt to remove the victims.
Dead are:
GERALD HUPPE, 24, of Blind River.
KENNETH BERNIER, 24, of Blind River.
JOSEPH FRANCOEUR, 21, of Blind River.
Two girls from the nearby Mississauga Indian Reserve, CECILE MORNINGSTAR, 14, and PATSY JAME BAYBUTCH, 15.

The car was removed from 15 feet of water by a wrecker. The bodies were brought here.

HAMILTON, believed to have been the driver, was taken to hospital suffering shock and explosure. Police said he was too incoherent to give details.

The accident occurred in Matienda Road, six miles north of this town 60 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie.
Indiana Evening Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania
January 13, 1962

Blind River
Blind River, Ont, incorporated as a town in 1906, population 3549 (2011c), 3780 (2006c). The Town of Blind River is located at the mouth of the Mississagi River on the North Channel of Lake Huron, 132 km southeast of Sault Ste Marie. Named by early voyageurs because it was difficult to detect from Lk Huron, the site was important for the fur trade from the mid-17th to the mid-19th century. From 1853, when the first sawmill was constructed, until the closure of McFadden Lumber Co in 1969, lumbering was the main economic activity of the community. The town has benefited from the uranium mining boom in nearby Elliot Lake, from the establishment of the CAMECO uranium refinery and from the continuing growth of tourism.
The Canadian Encyclopedia

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Blind River:
Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve:

Explore the Mississagi Delta, a designated Provincial Nature Reserve known for its diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Hiking and birdwatching are popular activities here.

Blind River Marina:

Head to the Blind River Marina to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront. It's a great spot for boat-watching, and you might catch a stunning sunset over the water.

Alger Street Lookout:

Visit the Alger Street Lookout for panoramic views of Blind River and the surrounding area. It's an excellent spot for photography and a relaxing place to soak in the beauty of the region.

Centennial Park:

Spend a leisurely day at Centennial Park, a green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. It's an ideal spot for families and those looking to enjoy a quiet day outdoors.

Basswood Lake:

If you're a fishing enthusiast, make your way to Basswood Lake. The lake is known for its abundance of bass and... Read MORE...