History and Heritage

The settlement of Hope Township, which has an area of over 69,000 acres, began in 1793 with a group of six families arriving from the United States. With the end of the American Revolution families loyal to the crown made their way to Upper Canada seeking grants of free land. Each immigrant over a certain age was offered 200 acres and once their settlement duties were completed, received the deed of title to the property.

The maximum military grant to those who served was 1200 acres. The Township was surveyed beginning at the Base Line, near Lake Ontario, and divided into 200 acre parcels along the concession roads, which run east to west.

Our first settlers came by several different routes most eventually arriving by water to the harbour at Smith’s Creek (Port Hope). Some arrived on foot as they drove their cattle along the shoreline or by trails between the towns of York and Kingston and from the Bay of Quinte. Some of these trails, originally established by indigenous peoples, continue to serve as roads today. Smith’s Creek became a place for trade and commerce due to its situation on the lake, with a good harbour and the Ganaraska River that provided water power for the mills that were constructed. Settlement through Hope Township took place at a slower rate where farming and agriculture were the primary occupations of property owners.

One of the first essential tasks of these early settlers, after building their shelter, was clearing a portion of their land in order to grow crops. Wheat, the most important, was at first traded by barter and it was not until 1826 that the typical farmer could sell any for cash. Not all roads were open for travel and those living in the township had to make their way to town to have their grain milled and purchase goods, which would have been a difficult journey. As things progressed throughout Hope Township and the population increased, mills, churches, schools and businesses arose. Located primarily at the four corners, where concession roads meet the north south roads, villages, hamlets and communities were established. Many of them became prominent centres for purchases and the need to travel to Port Hope decreased. Today many of these villages have disappeared and little remains of the businesses that once thrived. 

Note - this is an excerpt from the Port Hope Rural Driving Tour. Authored by the Port Hope Archives. 

In 1792, they petitioned Governor Simcoe of the First Upper Canada Council for land grants to establish the 5th Township of Hope. A year later, they bought 40 families to settle the area. The river had drawn Walton and Smith here just as it had their First Nations predecessors. The river formed a natural port though which anchor, and was a power source for the newly established grist and sawmills. In the immediate half-century, the area saw a population boom. While small industries continued, Port Hope’s leading source of wealth came from exporting timber, whiskey and grain to the U.S. and Europe. It was during that period that many of the stately homes and buildings were constructed.

By the late 19th century development here slowed as Toronto became an industrial center, the Prairie Bread Basket opened to the west, and the forest were depleted of their timber. Our town continued to slowly mature. While other communities courted heavy industry, Port Hope was content with companies such as ESCO and Davidson Rubber. This fact coupled with the work of fervent champions of historical preservation has resulted in the Port Hope you see today- a place where old buildings live contemporary lives.

Note - this is an excerpt from the Port Hope Self-Guided Walking Tour. Authored by the Port Hope Heritage Business District. 

One of Canada's great authors and environmentalists, Farley Mowat moved to Port Hope from Newfoundland in 1967, arriving by sailboat. His books have been published in more than 60 countries and you'll find a collection at Furby House Books where he'd come for his book signing. His monument the Boat Roofed House is located in East Ganaraska Park (Mill Street and Dorset Street East). Visit the Port Hope Public Library for Farley's personal book collection and a great view of the monument from Farley's Lookout.