 How did Thorold Get Its Name?
Thorold was almost called St. George but was named after Sir John Thorold , a member of British Parliament for Lincolnshire, England. Thorold was originally a wooded plateau overlooking Lake Ontario.
After the forest was cleared it was called "Stumptown" for a short time. It officially became a village in 1850, a township in 1875 and a city in 1975.
For more information on our city's local history visit Thorold Heritage.
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Discovery Walk - Canal Walk
For a more detailed historical account of downtown Thorold, please download and print a copy of The Thorold Discovery Walk or The Welland Canal Walk. Brochures are also available at the Lock 7 Viewing Complex. These brochures outline the many heritage buildings and significant historical stops in the area. |
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The Great Thorold Fire of 1866
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In 1866 there was a terrible fire in downtown Thorold.
It started on the west side of Front St. and with some high winds travelled up the street and over a couple blocks as far as St. John's Church.
At least 40 buildings were consumed by the fire. The St. Catharines hose company came to help during the height of the fire |
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The Welland Canal |
The Welland Canal passes through the heart of the city, and the Twin Flight Lockslocated downtown, attract thousands of tourists annually.
Throughout its short life, the route attracted only limited freight and passenger traffic. To improve its fortunes, the name of the line was changed in 1894 to the Niagara, Hamilton & Pacific Railway with the intention of expanding to the west. No work was ever undertaken, however, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1899. What remained was purchased by the NSC&T later that year (known as the Main Line by the company). |
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The third and final company brought into the fold was the St. Catharines Street Railway, a horse car line that was incorporated in 1874 with the first route being open for public service in November 1879.
In March 1882, the name of the company was changed to the St.Catharines, Merriton & Thorold Street Railway to recognize anticipated expansion plans. This move was followed by full electrification in October 1887, along with the absorption of the Niagara & St. Catharines Street Railway the following year. A new name for the company, being the Port Dalhouise, St. Catharines & Thorold Electric Street Railway, took affect in 1893. The NSC&T acquired controlling interest in May 1901 |
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The NSC&T Line |
Thorold is home of one of the first and last interurban rail lines: The NSC&T line. The NSC&T Company ultimately became one of the largest radial systems developed in the country, in addition to being one of the oldest, and perhaps the last to have survived.
The earliest of these lines was the St.Catharines & Niagara Central Railway, a steam road that was incorporated in 1881 and opened between Niagara Falls and Thorold in 1887.
Thorold & Beaverdams Historical Society |
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