History of the Bancroft Area - Bancroft Ontario

History of the Area

Bancroft has a rich history, and there are many reminders of its past scattered throughout the town and surrounding areas. Some of these include the church on Old L’Amable Road, abandoned buildings, and even old rock piles in fields that were once cleared by hand. If you have any stories, facts, or photographs that you would like to contribute to our site, please don’t hesitate to contact us and help add history and memories for others to discover. We are always looking for people who can help us share the history of Bancroft with the world.

Train_Station-Bancroft

BANCROFT

The Town of Bancroft, with a population of 3,880 (2011 census), is presently the business and recreational centre of the County of North Hastings. Yet the history of the people of Bancroft and surroundings goes back several centuries. It starts with two Native groups, the Chippewas and the Mississauga, who lived in this area long before European settlers laid claim to their land.

Old Photo of Barry's Bay

BARRY'S BAY

The history of this community in the township of Madawaska Valley starts out with the Algonquin, who named it “Kuaenash Ne-ishing”, which means “beautiful bay”. Long before the first pioneers ever laid eyes on this bay on Kamaniskeg Lake, it was a meeting place for bands of aboriginals, who enjoyed the fruits and beauty of the unspoiled nature.

COE HILL

The Hamlet of Coe Hill, in the Township of Wollaston is located in northern Hastings County on County Road 620. Coe Hill has a history of mining. Incorporated in 1880, it was named after William Coe of Madoc. He formed the Coe Hill Mines Company, after Harry Johnson had discovered iron deposits in a hill.

COMBERMERE

Playground on the Madawaska. Combermere was first named Dennison’s Bridge after Captain John Dennison, who first came to the area in 1854. John Dennison emigrated from England to Montreal in 1825. He took part in the Rebellion of 1837-38, earning himself the title of captain.

KILLALOE

The name Killaloe hails from an Irish community in Ireland of the same name and salutes the Irish heritage of many of the first settlers to this area who came to Canada in the early 19th century seeking a better life. The early beginnings of this little town centered around the lumber trade.

L'Amable Train Station at Detlor Road

L'AMABLE

Between 1858 and 1872 there was a steady arrival of newcomers to the Bancroft area. For a while, because of the fertile soil and good farming conditions, L’Amable was the largest and busiest district in the community. It had stores, saw mills, a smithy, and a grist mill.

MADAWASKA

Another main stop on the railway constructed by J.R. Booth, the lumber king of the valley, was the Village of Madawaska. Once boasting train yards and a roundhouse, the book closed on a by-gone era when the remains of the roundhouse, left to ruin, were torn down in 1994.

WHITNEY

Whitney had its beginnings at the turn of the century as a lumber mill settlement. The year was 1895, and E.C. Whitney, form whom the community was named, built the first mill operation on a large tract of land.

Boulder Ontario General Store

BOULTER

Boulter Ontario is a hamlet located in Eastern Ontario in Carlow/Mayo Township. It was established in 1869. Boulter was named after Dr G.H. Boulter of Stirling. He was the county warden in 1867.

Comments (3)

Dee Reply

I’ve recently discovered that my Great Grandfather Leander Hontoon resided in Bancroft and I’m searching for any information or pictures regarding his life or homestead area Thanks

September 19, 2021 at 1:03 pm
- Linda S. Reply
  
  I have information about him but it is an arrest record… Are you sure you want to see it? – Linda
  
  June 21, 2022 at 10:29 pm
  - Dee Reply
    
    Absolutely Thanks
    
    August 4, 2023 at 1:05 pm

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