Old Sandwich Town
Encyclopedia
Old Sandwich Town is located along the Canadian
border of the Detroit River
, and was established in 1797. It is considered one of the oldest, most historically significant settlements in Ontario
and has been the site of several historically significant events in Ontario's history. Many historic buildings remain in Old Sandwich Town and the area hosts an annual festival to celebrate its heritage.
s, Potowatomis and Wyandots. In the year 1747, the first Jesuit Mission in all of Upper Canada
was established in the area. Sandwich was essentially formed as a result of Detroit’s independence from Great Britain
, which was achieved in 1796. The consequence to this achievement was a mass movement of Loyalists south of the Detroit River, to the Sandwich area. By 1797, this land was purchased “…from the Huron Indians for about 300 pounds worth of supplies…”. In 1858, Sandwich was properly acknowledged with “town” status. In 1935, Old Sandwich Town was amalgamated with East Windsor, Windsor, and Walkerville to formulate the city of Windsor, Ontario
.
Sandwich has also played host to some considerably meaningful events, such as the beginning of the War of 1812
, which also brought various influential military figures to Old Sandwich Town, such as; Chief Tecumseh
, General Isaac Brock
of the British Army, and Generals Henry Procter and Harrison of the United States. Sandwich also saw action during the Upper Canada Rebellion
in 1837-1838; which pitted Sandwich and Windsor as likely targets for rebellion, and invasion from the United States. The Battle of Windsor commenced during December of 1838, which confirmed suspicions of American invasion, as hundreds of “Patriots” stormed the Canadian frontier of the Detroit River, until they were thwarted by militia in Sandwich. It is evident that Sandwich is historically significant for many reasons.
, the second Prime Minister of Canada; and Henry Bibb
, a fugitive slave who initiated the first Afro-Canadian newspaper. In fact, Sandwich and the surrounding area became an established black settlement, where thousands of freed and fugitive slaves took refuge from slavery in the United States.
, various tours throughout the community, a parade, and open houses for the local jail, as well as the Duff Baby House
.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
border of the Detroit River
Detroit River
The Detroit River is a strait in the Great Lakes system. The name comes from the French Rivière du Détroit, which translates literally as "River of the Strait". The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of Detroit and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The river...
, and was established in 1797. It is considered one of the oldest, most historically significant settlements in Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
and has been the site of several historically significant events in Ontario's history. Many historic buildings remain in Old Sandwich Town and the area hosts an annual festival to celebrate its heritage.
History
The area was initially inhabited by various Aboriginal nations including the Chippewas, OttawaOttawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
s, Potowatomis and Wyandots. In the year 1747, the first Jesuit Mission in all of Upper Canada
Upper Canada
The Province of Upper Canada was a political division in British Canada established in 1791 by the British Empire to govern the central third of the lands in British North America and to accommodate Loyalist refugees from the United States of America after the American Revolution...
was established in the area. Sandwich was essentially formed as a result of Detroit’s independence from Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, which was achieved in 1796. The consequence to this achievement was a mass movement of Loyalists south of the Detroit River, to the Sandwich area. By 1797, this land was purchased “…from the Huron Indians for about 300 pounds worth of supplies…”. In 1858, Sandwich was properly acknowledged with “town” status. In 1935, Old Sandwich Town was amalgamated with East Windsor, Windsor, and Walkerville to formulate the city of Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
.
Sandwich has also played host to some considerably meaningful events, such as the beginning of the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
, which also brought various influential military figures to Old Sandwich Town, such as; Chief Tecumseh
Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Native American leader of the Shawnee and a large tribal confederacy which opposed the United States during Tecumseh's War and the War of 1812...
, General Isaac Brock
Isaac Brock
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock KB was a British Army officer and administrator. Brock was assigned to Canada in 1802. Despite facing desertions and near-mutinies, he commanded his regiment in Upper Canada successfully for many years...
of the British Army, and Generals Henry Procter and Harrison of the United States. Sandwich also saw action during the Upper Canada Rebellion
Upper Canada Rebellion
The Upper Canada Rebellion was, along with the Lower Canada Rebellion in Lower Canada, a rebellion against the British colonial government in 1837 and 1838. Collectively they are also known as the Rebellions of 1837.-Issues:...
in 1837-1838; which pitted Sandwich and Windsor as likely targets for rebellion, and invasion from the United States. The Battle of Windsor commenced during December of 1838, which confirmed suspicions of American invasion, as hundreds of “Patriots” stormed the Canadian frontier of the Detroit River, until they were thwarted by militia in Sandwich. It is evident that Sandwich is historically significant for many reasons.
Historic buildings and notable residents
Old Sandwich Town is home to some of Ontario’s oldest and most historically important buildings, such as Mackenzie Hall, and the Duff-Baby Mansion; of which, the latter is considered to be the oldest structure in all of Ontario. Not only is Sandwich home to historically significant buildings, but it has also been a dwelling place for some symbolic Canadian figures. Some of these figures include Alexander MackenzieAlexander Mackenzie
Alexander Mackenzie, PC , a building contractor and newspaper editor, was the second Prime Minister of Canada from November 7, 1873 to October 8, 1878.-Biography:...
, the second Prime Minister of Canada; and Henry Bibb
Henry Bibb
Henry Walton Bibb was an author and abolitionist who was born a slave. After escaping from slavery to Canada, he returned to the US and lectured against slavery. Migrating to Canada, he founded a newspaper Voice of the Fugitive.-Biography:...
, a fugitive slave who initiated the first Afro-Canadian newspaper. In fact, Sandwich and the surrounding area became an established black settlement, where thousands of freed and fugitive slaves took refuge from slavery in the United States.
Olde Sandwich Towne Festival
Old Sandwich Town holds a strong historical presence, as many of its buildings are still standing. There is an annual “Olde Sandwich Towne Festival”, which has been celebrated for nearly 20 years. This festival commemorates the historically rich and unique area of Sandwich, through various events such as a re-enactment of the Underground RailroadUnderground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The term is also applied to the abolitionists,...
, various tours throughout the community, a parade, and open houses for the local jail, as well as the Duff Baby House
Duff Baby House
The Duff Baby House is an historic house located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.-History:Built between 1792 and 1798, the Duff Baby House is considered to be the oldest building in Windsor. The house was built by Alexander Duff as a fur trade post. In 1807 the building was bought by James Baby and...
.