From the Beehive E82 - A Brief History: The Early Development of St. Thomas

Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development and local historian City Councillor Steve Peters for an in-depth dive into the early history of St. Thomas, Ontario! 
In this episode, we explore the origins of St. Thomas, from its founding in 1817 to its evolution through the 1800s. Discover how early settlers like Daniel Rapelje and William Mandeville shaped the west end, the importance of the Old English Church (1822–1824), and the vibrant commercial activity along Talbot Street.

Learn about key milestones such as:
The construction of the London and Port Stanley Plank Road (1844)
The incorporation of St. Thomas as a village in 1852
The transformative impact of the London & Port Stanley Railway in 1856

Steve also highlights historic landmarks like the Metcalfe Block (1854) and the city's early fire and police departments.

Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll uncover the impact of the railway on St. Thomas!