Newmarket is a town rich in Quaker history. You can start learning about its past by visiting the Elman W. Campbell Museum. After your visit, take a ten minute stroll down the hill to Water Street. See if you can spot some of the heritage plaques on buildings of historical and architectural interest.
Glancing downward, you will find many sidewalk markers along the route. These engraved stones tell the stories of many notable buildings on your walk. Find out where the famous department store owner, Robert Simpson, opened his first business. Discover the site of Newmarket's first hospital. See a list of the exact locations of the sidewalk markers and what is engraved on them.
Research your history project by reading a more detailed account of Newmarket's history. Discover the origin of many of Newmarket's street names and learn the most important dates in Newmarket's history, such as:
- 1800: Timothy Rogers explores the area that will become today's Newmarket
- 1801: Joseph Hill built the first gristmill near today's Fairy Lake
- 1853: The first railroad in Upper Canada was built, called the Ontario, Huron and Simcoe Railway
- 1857: Newmarket became a village
- 1880: Newmarket was incorporated as an official Town with a population of 2,000
Also check out the Ontario Heritage Foundation Plaque near the Water Street Bridge at the foot of Main Street.
In 2016, Newmarket's Historic Downtown Newmarket was named the 'people's choice' best street in Canada in the Great Places in Canada contest held by the Canadian Planners Institute.