This post is sponsored by Legends Tavern

St. Thomas, ON.

Incorporated as a city – 1881

Pop. 38,909 (2016)

Incorporated not once, not twice, but thrice…

The city, located at the intersection of two historical roads, was first settled in 1810. It was named the seat of the new Elgin County in 1844 and was incorporated as a village in 1852, then as a town in 1861. In 1881 St. Thomas became a city. It was named after Thomas Talbot who helped promote the development of this region during the early 19th century.

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In the late 19th century and early 20th century several railways were constructed through the city, and St. Thomas became an important railway junction. A total of 26 railways have passed through the city since the first railway was completed in 1856. In the 1950s and 1960s, with the decline of the railway as a mode of transportation, other industry began to locate in the city, principally primary and secondary automotive manufacturing. But the nickname “Railway city” has stuck around. Jumbo the circus elephant, said to be the world’s biggest elephant at the time, died here on September 15, 1885, shortly after being hit by a locomotive. There is a life-sized commemorative statue that was erected in 1985.

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Some places to check out:

  • The Elgin County Heritage Centre is rich with St. Thomas History
  • Learn more about how St. Thomas earned the moniker “The Railway City” that the Railway Museum.
  • Take in some local cuisine at one of the many local restaurants in the city.

In closing, the Railway City said it best themselves…”Sometimes, you have to take the road less travelled before the real journey begins. In St. Thomas we are a small city in between big places. We are not Toronto or Niagara Falls. What we are is authentic. Our heritage laces everything we do. Our industrious spirit moves us forward. We are colourful, our stories are real, but most of all we are friendly as heck. Stay awhile and journey with us through the farmland and forests of Ontario’s Southwest to the historic and vibrant Railway City.”

Find more details and plan your day HERE.