The History of Windsor, Ontario
On the south bank of the Detroit River, Windsor, Ontario is a vibrant hub of culture and cuisine. It is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or as a base to explore Southwestern Ontario!
The city’s history dates back to French settlement. It is also famous for being the home of the Ford Motor Company.
Origins
Windsor is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada. Over 20% of its population has been born outside the country. Its Middle Eastern, Italian, Asian, and European communities make it a great place to live.
Its proximity to Detroit also makes it a great tourism destination. In addition to the Ford Motor Company, it is home to several auto and parts manufacturers.
The city is known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada” and has a rich manufacturing heritage that is evident in its factories, parks, and gardens. It is also a major contributor to the economy of Ontario and Canada.
The City is also home to two National Historic Sites, Willistead Manor and the Francois Baby House. These are both excellent places to learn more about the history of the area.
Early settlers
The early settlers of Windsor included First Nations, French, and English Loyalists. Located on the south side of the Detroit River, opposite the American automotive capital of Detroit, Ontario’s largest city has grown considerably over its 127 years as a town.
As the country’s most multicultural province, Ontario is home to over a dozen different First Nations groups and 583,000 people who speak French as their first language. These immigrant groups have all contributed to Canada’s diverse and unique culture.
Some of the earliest houses in Windsor were built before 1850 and local historian Beverly Garvan has compiled a list of the oldest historic buildings. She used records such as land deeds, tax assessments, probate records, maps, and family genealogies to establish a date for these structures.
The Ford Motor Company
The Ford Motor Company is a world-leading automotive and mobility company. It designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of Ford vehicles as well as Lincoln luxury cars.
It also provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. The company’s core business is auto manufacturing, but it also sells a wide range of other products and services including trucks, vans, SUVs, and electric and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.
When Henry Ford started the company in 1903, he wanted to change the way that automobiles were made. He envisioned making them more efficient and affordable so that they could be sold around the world.
His first step in accomplishing that goal was the purchase of an enormous amount of land near Windsor. In 2019, that area now comprises over 16,000 acres, making it the largest single acquisition in West Windsor’s history.
Today, the city of Windsor is a bustling hub of culture and cuisine in Southwestern Ontario. It is a welcoming place for newcomers and offers many useful services that will help you settle in and get started.
Today
Windsor is a thriving city with plenty of opportunities for young people to start their careers. The economy is based on manufacturing, tourism, education and government services.
If you are looking for a safe and affordable place to live and raise your children, you should consider Windsor. With no homicides for 27 months, it is considered one of the safest cities in Canada.
It is also home to several International Baccalaureate recognized schools. These include Assumption College School, Academie Ste. Cecile International School, and Ecole secondaire E.J. Lajeunesse (a francophone Catholic high school).
Transportation is easy to use and cheap with the Transit Windsor bus system which runs 14 routes 7 days a week. The fare is cash, tickets or loaded smart passes and the system uses real-time vehicle tracking so that you can find your bus quickly on the go! It’s even a great way to get around if you’re going to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel!
