Ambassador Takeover: Exploring 6 Black History Landmarks in Oakville

By: Karisa Simon

I love digging into the history of the places and locations that I visit. I have always heard that Oakville had a place in Black History, so I thought I would take you on a tour of six Oakville landmarks that hold importance to local Black History.

I used the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton’s self-guided tours as the starting place for my exploration. I also came across some historical locations by diving into Oakville’s digital photo archives. I think it is extremely important to learn about the history of your town and those that inhabited the land before you, so you can appreciate how current society came to be. The Black the community was crucial in helping shape Oakville into the gorgeous lakeside town that it is today, so keep reading to learn more and put together your own list of can’t-miss locations.

Shipyard Park – Francis St. and Lakeshore Rd. West

William Chisholm owned the land around Sixteen Mile Creek in 1827 and developed the Oakville Harbour by building a shipyard and piers out into the lake. In 1934, the town became an official port of entry moving timber and grain, as well as African Americans travelling the Underground Railroad in search of freedom.

A local man named Captain Robert Wilson helped freedom seekers across the lake by smuggling them in his grain ships. In addition to Wilson, other local captains ferried African Americans across the Great Lakes to freedom.

Today this area is known as Shipyard Park. It provides access to boating activities, walking trails and an amazing view of sailboats and the harbour. There are a few park benches and picnic tables where you can stop and take in the view of the lake as well.

Source: Town of Oakville, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

George Square – Trafalgar Rd. and Palmer Ave.

George’s Square has the distinction of being Oakville’s oldest park. It was acquired by George K. Chisholm, the son of William Chisholm, in 1844. African Canadians who settled in Oakville celebrated Emancipation Day, the day that marked the end of slavery in the United States, at George’s Square. They celebrated by having picnics and those who were helped by Captain Robert Wilson would march to his home, which still stands today at 279 Lawson Street.

Today, the park has also become a location for observations of Remembrance Day following the installation of a Cenotaph in 1924.

Source: Town of Oakville, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and  Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

The Adams Family (Burnet St/Burnet Park) – 76 Burnet Street

Samuel Adams was an African American man who moved to Canada in the early 1855. With his savings from operating a prosperous business in Maryland, he settled in Bronte and opened a blacksmith shop. Adams is primarily renowned for designing a unique rake for “stonehooking”, a method of construction that lifted stones from the lake. This led to Adams becoming prosperous and one of the biggest landowners in Bronte at the time.

Jeremiah Adams, Samuel Adams’ son, was a teamster for the Chisholm brothers’ mill and a dedicated community member. Jeremiah and his wife Eliza once owned a home that sat at 104 Burnet Street. The home was passed on to their descendants and remained in their possession for over 100 years before its demolition in 2016.

A heritage plaque dedicated to the Adams family was placed at Burnet Park in Kerr Village in 2019, though it is not currently in the park as it is being updated. I think Burnet Park is the perfect quiet place for families. Parents can relax on a bench or read a book underneath a shaded tree while watching their kids play in the jungle gym or run around on the grass.

Waterfront Park is also steps away from Burnet Park and provides a gorgeous view of the lake.

Source: Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and  Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

James Wesley Hill – Bronte Village:

James Wesley Hill was an escaped slave from Maryland who made his way into Canada in a packaging box. When he settled into Oakville, he sent his first financial earrings back to his former owner for his purchase price.

Hill made trips back to Maryland and used the Underground Railroad to lead over 700 African Americans to town. Although there is not one specific location associated with James Wesley Hill, he called Bronte Village his home. The following historical landmarks can be found in Bronte:

The Sovereign House – 7 West River St.

This house operates as a heritage display centre for local history and displays artifacts related to life in the 1800s and Bronte Harbour. Stop by and learn about “stonehooking”, an industry created by Samuel Adams.

Source: Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

Bronte Pioneer Cemetery – South of Lakeshore Rd. W.

Phillip Sovereign, an early Oakville settler, deeded the east corner of his farm for a cemetery. He specified that it be for people of “all orders, sects, nations and parties.” This is the final resting place of some of Bronte’s First African American settlers.

Source: Town of Oakville and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

Turner Chapel – 37 Lakeshore Rd. W.

Turner Chapel was the first Afro-Canadian church in Oakville. It was organized by Samuel Adams and Reverend William Roberts. At that time, there were reported to be approximately 600 and 700 African American in the Oakville and Bronte area. The church was named after Bishop Henry Turner, the first African American Chaplin in the United States Armed Forces. Turner Chapel was the heartbeat for African Americans in Oakville. It was an important religious centre and location for social activity.

Located on 37 Lakeshore Road West, Turner Chapel still stands, though it operates as Turner Chapel Antiques and Appraisers.

The building looks very similar to how it looked in the 19th century. At the front, you can find a sign giving a brief history of the church. Inside you will find all your antique needs, such as paintings, silverware, furnishings and more.

Source: Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

Donovan Bailey Park – Bronte Rd. and Valhalla Crt.

Jamaican-born Donovan Bailey immigrated to Canada when he was young. His family settled in Oakville and he attended Queen Elizabeth Park High School, where he ran his first 100m race. He then attended Oakville’s Sheridan College for Business Administration and played basketball for the school’s team.

In 1996, Bailey became one of Canada’s most iconic sports figures when he set the 100m world record at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. With a running time of 9.84 seconds, Bailey was the fastest man in the world. He anchored the 100m relay team a week later to another gold medal win.

Situated in Oakville is Donovan Bailey Park. The Park’s trail extends from Bronte Road south of Speers Road to Lakeshore Road West. This park is perfect for a nice walk or a bike ride on a beautiful day. It is well maintained and has a lovely grassy path with trees. The park is also home to a beautiful garden and some benches where you can take a break, read a book or enjoy nature.

Source Canadian: Olympic Committee and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

I hope you enjoyed this Black History highlight. If you would like to learn more, visit the Oakville Museum’s Black history exhibits, Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History and The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom.

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