History
History of Toronto
Before Europeans first settled in the Toronto Area, Huron and Iroquois tribes occupied the land. In fact the name Toronto comes from the Iroquois word tkaronto, which means, “place where trees stand in water”. In 1750, French Traders established Fort Rouillé, but later abandoned it in 1759. In 1787 the British made an agreement with Mississauga of the New Credit for more than a quarter of million acres of land in the Toronto area. This became known as the Toronto Purchase. In 1793, the governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, founded the town of York. In 1813, during the War of 1812, York was captured by American forces during the Battle of York. On March 6, 1834, York was incorporated as the city of Toronto. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Toronto was a major destination for immigrants to Canada. Some of these groups include Irish, Germans, French, Jews, Russians, Chinese, and other Eastern European nations. The 1904, the Great Toronto fire occurred, destroying majority of downtown Toronto and costing over $10 million dollars in Damage. The city was quickly rebuilt. After World War II, the city Toronto’s urban sprawl grew rapidly. New suburban development was being formed around the city and new highways, public transportation and water systems were built. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck the city. Over 1,900 families were homeless and caused more than $25 million dollars in damage. On march 29, 2009, Toronto celebrated its 175th anniversary of its founding in 1834.
Before Europeans first settled in the Toronto Area, Huron and Iroquois tribes occupied the land. In fact the name Toronto comes from the Iroquois word tkaronto, which means, “place where trees stand in water”. In 1750, French Traders established Fort Rouillé, but later abandoned it in 1759. In 1787 the British made an agreement with Mississauga of the New Credit for more than a quarter of million acres of land in the Toronto area. This became known as the Toronto Purchase. In 1793, the governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, founded the town of York. In 1813, during the War of 1812, York was captured by American forces during the Battle of York. On March 6, 1834, York was incorporated as the city of Toronto. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Toronto was a major destination for immigrants to Canada. Some of these groups include Irish, Germans, French, Jews, Russians, Chinese, and other Eastern European nations. The 1904, the Great Toronto fire occurred, destroying majority of downtown Toronto and costing over $10 million dollars in Damage. The city was quickly rebuilt. After World War II, the city Toronto’s urban sprawl grew rapidly. New suburban development was being formed around the city and new highways, public transportation and water systems were built. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck the city. Over 1,900 families were homeless and caused more than $25 million dollars in damage. On march 29, 2009, Toronto celebrated its 175th anniversary of its founding in 1834.
