WILKESPORT

NAME: WILKESPORT COUNTY: ONTARIO ROADS: 2WD GRID: CLIMATE: Snow in winter BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring summer or fall

COMMENTS: REMAINS: Most of the original buildings have disappeared but a few are left as reminders of the important days of Wilkesport.

Settlement began on this section of the North Sydenham River in the 1830s. For a number of years it was known as Wilkes Mills. In 1852 the post office, recognizing the location as the head of navigation for vessels sailing to and from the St. Clair River, adopted the name Wilkesport. By 1880 it was a thriving industrial village with three stores, two wagon factories, two hotels, a number of shops and sawmills and a gristmill on the river. It also had two churches and a school.

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