An incentive came in 1849 when the Canadian government passed the Guarantee Act for railways. Under the Act, railways longer than 120 kilometres were eligible to receive a grant that guaranteed interest of up to six per cent on half the cost of construction once half the railway had been completed.

Mills used water power and later steam power to operate, making it necessary for them to be situated near river systems. For this reason, small communities were established around river systems. In Vaughan, mills became the centre for development and growth. Similarly, in times of economic difficulty, they were the first to be affected and the end of a mill could mean the end of a community.

Archaeology is a historical science used to discover and understand past human settlement and behaviour through the investigation of material remains.

Origins and early history

Woodbridge had its origins with the British Crown granting the west half of Lots 6 and 7 and Concession 7 of Vaughan Township to Jacob Philips and Hugh Cameron in 1802. Woodbridge proper, however, did not begin to take the form of a settlement or village until the arrival of Rowland Burr in 1837.

Yonge Street

Later, Dr. Rupert, who lived in Maple, was such a respected member of the community that the town’s name was changed to Rupertsville. The town’s present name is said to originate from the numerous maple trees once found in the village along Keele Street.

Community growth

The first settlers in Maple during the latter part of the 18th century were German Lutherans from Pennsylvania. By 1825, British immigrants began joining them.

Early settlement

Kleinburg developed around numerous mills like many other riverside villages. In 1848, John Nicholas Kline bought 33 hectares (83 acres) of Lot 24 in Concession 8 west of Islington Avenue. On this land, Kline built a sawmill and gristmill.

Pioneers and early businesses

The Northern Railway was built in 1853 and ran from Toronto to Collingwood. For many years, the station located in Concord was called the Thornhill Railway Station. In 1854, the Concord Post Office was established and John Duncan served as the first postmaster for 17 years until 1871.