The history of Brantford, Ontario can be traced back three centuries to when Chief Joseph Brant forded the Grand River. Brantford has come a long way since then.
The history of Brantford, Ontario where I live can be traced back three centuries. At that time, the Iroquois lived in the forest wilderness of the Grand River Valley. Captain Joseph Brant, chief of the Six Nations was the main figure in the history of this city.
Joseph Brant was known to his people as Thayendanega. He and his warriors fought with the English during the American Revolution. When the war ended, Brant chose to remain with the Crown and asked for land in Canada where he and his people could live in peace. After meetings and negotiations, Brant and the Six Nations were granted a tract of land six miles on either side of the Grand River from its source near Dundalk, Ontario to its mouth.
In 1784, Brant led his people out of the Mohawk Valley in Upper State New York to the Grand River Valley of what is now Ontario. They crossed the Grand River at a shallow eddy. This became known as Brant's Ford.
Because they were unaware of the location of the headwaters of the Grand, the Iroquois failed to settle there. Around Brant's Ford, Brant sold some of the adjoining land to white men who had befriended him. He believed that his people could learn farming and agricultural skills from the white men.
John Stalts was the first white settler to arrive in Brant's Ford. He arrived in the village in 1805 and by 1818; the white population had increased to twelve people. By 1823, one hundred whites resided here.
In 1826, the white population called meetings to choose a name for the small village. After many suggestions and much discussion, the name Brantford was chosen in honor of Captain Joseph Brant.
Supposedly in 1830, what remained of the Native village site was sold to white settlers. The village was incorporated as a town on July 28, 1847. By this time the Natives, pressured by the Europeans, had moved their people to the south side of the Grand River. Here, they used land that had been held in trust for them to build homes and longhouses. A Band Council dominated over Native land. The land became know as the Six Nations Reserve. It is now called Six Nations of the Grand River. The County of Brant was established in 1852. It includes the Six Nations.
On May 31, 1877, the town of Brantford had a population of 10,000. Through a Special Act of Parliament, it became a city. Today, it is a prosperous community.
Brantford is a lovely place to visit. Tourism Brantford tries to ensure quality visitor services through marketing, education and communications. The local Tourism industry enhances the quality of life in our community.
Brantford and Brant County is a year-round convention and tournament destination. We have been honored to greet over a million visitors annually, though this number will skyrocket with the opening of the Brantford Charity Casino in November, 1999.
Visitors to this city can enjoy our new casino but also unique attractions, superb recreational facilities, the farmer's market, fine dining and excellent accomodations and meeting sites.
Our natural waterfront is a great place for canoeing and fishing. The city has developed hiking and biking trails through this area and traveling along these paths you can experience nature at its best, especially in Autumn.
Brantford and Brant County are home to various historical attractions. The Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead on the outskirts of the city is the preserved home of the woman who founded the first Women's Institute in Canada.
The Bell Homestead on Tutela Heights Road was the home of Alexander Graham Bell and his parents. Many of his early inventions are displayed there.
The Brant County Museum and Archives on Charlotte Street holds many Native artifacts as well as historical documents from Brantford's early days.
In recent years, the Canadian Military Heritage Museum and Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Museum opened on Greenwich Street. It is a fabulous place to visit.
Her Majesty's Chapel Of The Mohawks is located on Mohawk Street. Joseph Brant and his people built this church. Approximately ten years ago, it was restored to its original beauty. Wooden floors and pews enhance the beauty of stained glass windows. Each window depicts a Native scene, which tells a story of early Native life.
Twin Valley Petting Farm is a great spot for the entire family. The farm has turkeys, ponies, chickens, cows, sheep, a llama and many other farm and wild animal species. The proprietors were both friendly and helpful.
The Indian Woodland Cultural Center has an excellent library for researching Native history. At one time, this building was a school for Native children. There is a Native museum on the grounds and each Fall they have a sale of Native handicrafts. The Center is a wonderful experience for anyone interested in Native Culture and folklore.
There are many other interesting sites to see in Brantford. The City parks are filled with exquisite blooms every Spring and the City holds the title, "The Best Blooming City In Canada," - an award it has won for many consecutive years.
As of October 1999, the population of Brantford was 86,000. The combined population of the City and Brant County is 114,000.
The people of Brantford, for the most part, are friendly and courteous. If you are ever in southern Ontario, be sure to drop by for an intriguing and enjoyable visit.
Brantford has come a long way since Joseph Brant led his people across the Grand River in 1784 and founded the tiny village of Brant's Ford.
