Historians

A Day in Essex for Historians

Worth the Stop

Our history takes you back to the late 1700s, a time of rapid change in North America's sociopolitical landscape. As early as 1787, soldiers and loyalists were settling on farm lots running inland from Lake Erie.

During the 1800s, fugitive slaves and European settlers carried on the pioneer spirit by building small communities throughout Colchester Township. Villages that endure today arose at Colchester, Harrow, McGregor and Essex Centre; these homes, buildings, and conservation areas, scattered throughout the four distinct wards, continue to tell our history.

If followed in chronological order, this route should take approximately 57 minutes by car.

Historic photo of Colchester Christ Church

Colchester Christ Church & Christ Church Cemetery

190 Bagot St, Harrow, ON

Built in 1876 in response to the original church being in disrepair, the Colchester Christ Church is connected to several influential settler families and was a fundamental community space for early settlers. Now occupied by a community of welcoming believers who feel that Essex’s notable agriculture is another joyful aspect of their spirituality, the Church is rich with history spawning over two hundred years.

Colchester Schoolhouse

195 Bagot St, Harrow, ON

The first school in Essex County to have been built under 1881’s precedent-setting Public Schools Act is affectionally known around town as “the little red school.” Originally built to replace an earlier structure, the Colchester Schoolhouse functioned as a central educational and community space for those living within its rural landscape.

John R. Park Homestead

915 County Rd 50 E, Essex, ON

Named the Best Living History Museum by the Ontario Historical Society, the 1842 home of John and Amelia Park has been fully restored to reflect the living moment of the time. With the help of knowledgeable and cheerful costumed guides, journey to the past and familiarize yourself with a different way of life. Taste baking from the kitchen fireplace, play with wooden toys in the children's bedrooms, or pick up a souvenir at the blacksmith’s coal-fired forge.

Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society

243 McAffee St, Harrow, ON

Established in 1971, the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) began as a small group of Harrow and Colchester residents with a shared passion to form a local historical and genealogical society. Today, HEIRS houses a large collection of archival documents, including maps, photographs, public records, land deeds, and over 10,000 family names in their genealogical files.

Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village

6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville, ON

On your way towards Essex Centre, turn into the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, where local history and our automotive past come alive. One of the largest vehicle museums in Ontario, check out the fine collection of vintage vehicles and emergency fleets before walking the 100-acre lot boasts over 20 buildings of local significance dating back to the early 1800s.

Essex Railway Station

87 Station St. Essex, ON

Originally suffering major damage after the historic 1907 Essex Railway Explosion, our community championed together to rebuild the property to what it is today. The architecture symbolizes a key aspect of Essex’s role as a social and economic hub, allowing transportation of passengers and agricultural goods to the county. When you’re done checking out the Railway Station, take a stroll through the Spitfire Memorial and the WWII Honour Wall.

Carnegie Library (Essex & Community Historical Research Society)

18 Gordon Ave, Essex, ON

Home to the Essex & Community Historical Research Society (ECHRS), whose goal is to preserve and make accessible the rich social heritage of Essex County, feel free to peruse the hundreds of records and archives offered at the Carnegie Library. Built in 1914 by Andrew Carnegie, a renowned architect of the time, this space housed the first Essex Public Library and still retains its original architecture.

Essex County Steam & Engine Museum

11071 Concession Rd 11, McGregor, ON

Home to the largest collection of steam-powered history in Ontario, the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum is a paradise for anyone fascinated by machinery and innovation. From pint-sized engines and beautifully restored antique tractors to towering turn-of-the-century steam engines, the passionate team behind the museum is eager to share their knowledge of the fascinating stories hidden among the museum’s remarkable collection of mechanical treasures.

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