Sandwich Town
European Settlement - Sandwich Town
The first Europeans to explore the area of Windsor-Detroit were fur traders and voyageurs coming down from Montreal to trade goods. In 1701, Antione de la Mothe Cadillac, established the first European settlement in the region. He and his soldiers claimed the region on behalf of France, building Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, at present day Detroit. The fort soon expanded on both sides of the Detroit River, with many settling along Sandwich Township coast. The area remained predominantly French for many years, with France ruling over settlements on the American and Canadian sides of the Detroit River. However, in 1756, the Seven Years War broke out, with battles fought between European powers, in Europe, Asia, North America and at sea. In 1763 Treaty of Paris, France officially ceded Canada to the British Empire.
Following the American War of Independence (1775-1783), many loyalists of the British Empire fled Detroit for Sandwich, even though Detroit would not received independence from the British Empire until 1796. This resulted in an uptake in population and the area grew steadily. Sandwich became the Legislative seat of government for the Western District of Upper Canada (Ontario). The town prospered with the establishment of a school, jail and courthouse and St. John's Anglican Church. In 1858, Sandwich was officially given 'town' status and in 1935 it was amalgamated into the City of Windsor.
War of 1812 in Sandwich
On June 18, 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britian, and Sandwich became the first Canadian town invaded following the proclamation. General William Hull, the 4th Regiment and the Ohio Militia invaded Sandwich in July 1812, setting up headquarters at the home of Francois Baby (The Francois Baby House). British reinforcements arrived in August under the command of General Brock, and with the help of Chief Tecumseh and his warriors, Hull retreated, surrendering Detroit in the process. The American's would capture Sandwich again following the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, under the command of General William Henry Harrison, pushing the British north to the Thames River. When the British began to make advances to regain control of Sandwich, Harrison was given orders to burn the town. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in December 1814, ending the war and bringing peace to the region. The British Crown offered compensation to those that has lost property and the town of Sandwich grew stronger from the ashes of war.
Sandwich in the 19th & 20th Centuries and Today
With the passing Canada's Anti-Slavery Law (1793) and the Emancipation Act (1833), slavery was abolished throughout the country. Sandwich became an important stop on the Underground Railroad for African Americans escaping slavery in the United States, with many choosing to stay in Sandwich, making it their new home. The 19th century saw great urban development in Sandwich, with new businesses, hotels and taverns and the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1854.
The American Civil War (1861-1865) brought with it unexpected economic growth for Sandwich and the surrounding area. American orders for local goods and resources soared, with many merchants finding the majority of their goods being shipped south to the US. Another unexpected boom came from the Mineral Spa Springs Resort. The luxurious sulphur springs bathhouse catered to locals and travellers alike, with numerous new hotels being built to handle tourism.
With the turn of the 20th century came advances in industrialization and technology. In 1929, the Ambassador Bridge was built on the doorstep of Sandwich, connecting Canada and the United States. That same year, the Great Depression hit, effecting Sandwich and other Border Cities heavily. Major industry left and companies shut down. In 1935, the Border Cities of Sandwich, Walkerville and Ford City amalgamated with Windsor, beginning several years of decline for Sandwich Town. In recent years the historic centre has seen a renaissance, focusing on its distinct history and welcoming new business to the area.
The first Europeans to explore the area of Windsor-Detroit were fur traders and voyageurs coming down from Montreal to trade goods. In 1701, Antione de la Mothe Cadillac, established the first European settlement in the region. He and his soldiers claimed the region on behalf of France, building Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, at present day Detroit. The fort soon expanded on both sides of the Detroit River, with many settling along Sandwich Township coast. The area remained predominantly French for many years, with France ruling over settlements on the American and Canadian sides of the Detroit River. However, in 1756, the Seven Years War broke out, with battles fought between European powers, in Europe, Asia, North America and at sea. In 1763 Treaty of Paris, France officially ceded Canada to the British Empire
