London, Ontario may look like a modern and diverse city today, but its story began nearly 200 years ago and was shaped by immigrants, freedom seekers and early settlers searching for a better life.
The city was officially founded in 1826 after a courthouse fire destroyed the former administrative centre in Vittoria. Officials decided to move the district centre closer to where more people were living. The land that became London was already Crown land, which made it easier for the government to build a new centre there.
Amber Lloyd-Langston, curator of history and contemporary culture at Museum London, says the location was chosen partly because the land was already available. “They realized that this dot on the map called London had been set aside as a crown reserve, so they decided that they would build there because they already had the land,” she said.
The city’s name also reflects its British roots. Sir John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, wanted the area to reflect British culture. He named the settlement London and also renamed the river the Thames. Lloyd-Langston says Simcoe wanted to create a very British society in the region. “His goal was to basically create a new Britain and create a very British society,” she said.
Growth and early industries
Lloyd-Langston, talking about the history of London, Ontario
In the early years, the local economy focused on building the town itself. Construction, milling and brewing were some of the main activities as settlers built homes and businesses.
A major turning point came when the railway arrived in 1853. The new transportation system helped connect London to other cities and allowed goods and people to move more easily.
Lloyd-Langston says that moment played a major role in the city’s development. “The arrival of the railway in 1853 led to explosive growth,” she said. “So many things needed to be made here because transportation was so difficult before that.”
Irish immigrants searching for opportunity
Tony Another and his wife Bridget Another
Immigration also played an important role in shaping London. One of the largest groups to arrive in the 1800s were Irish immigrants who left their homeland during the Great Irish Famine.
Tony Another, president of the Irish Benevolent Society in London, says the famine forced many families to leave Ireland when their main food source disappeared.
“In the mid-1800s, there was a great famine in Ireland because the potato crop failed and that was the main food item for the Irish people,” Another said. “Many people left Ireland for a better life in different countries, including Canada.”
Irish Pieces
When Irish immigrants arrived, life was not easy. Many took on physically demanding work and helped build the infrastructure needed for growing communities.
“They worked extremely hard,” Another said. “They built roads, railways, towns and canals and were willing to work very hard in order to make a better life for themselves and their families.”
Irish culture remains a strong part of London today through organizations and celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day events in the city.
Freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad
Theodore and Christina
Another important part of London’s history involves Black freedom seekers who escaped slavery in the United States and travelled north to Canada through the Underground Railroad.
Christina, an interpreter at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, says many people came to Canada after slavery was abolished in British colonies in 1834.
“Canada became seen as a safe place,” she said. “Many people were escaping from very harsh conditions and came here looking for freedom.”
Fugitive Slave Chapel
After arriving in London, many freedom seekers built communities and supported each other despite facing challenges such as limited job opportunities and discrimination.
Christina says their determination helped shape the city. “They created community and supported each other, and their descendants are still part of London today,” she said.
Why this history matters
Today, London is known as a multicultural city with people from many different backgrounds. Its early history shows how migration, resilience and community helped shape the city.
From Irish immigrants escaping famine to freedom seekers escaping slavery, the roots of London are built on the journeys of people who came here hoping to build a better future.
