The founder of Oakville was born in Nova Scotia of Loyalist parents who moved to Burlington Bay in 1793. William served with distinction in the militia during the War of 1812. He settled in Nelson Township in 1816 and became a successful store keeper, timber merchant and ship owner. In 1827, he purchased from the Crown 960 acres of uncleared land at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek. Here, he built mills, laid out a town plot and opened the harbour to shipping. Chisholm was thrice elected to represent this district in the Legislative Assembly.

Location

In Lakeside Park, Navy and Front Streets, Oakville

Themes

• Communities
• Industry and trade
• People
• War and conflict