Sunday, June 23, 2013

1817 Smith: Plan of York, U.C. & 1818 Plan of the Town of York

This map was surveyed and drawn by Lieut. E.A. Smith of the 70th Infantry, and provided to Sir John Coape Sherbrooke, the Governor General of British North America at the time (via the Quartermaster General’s Office, Upper Canada).

Numerous key structures are noted, including the Garrison, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the Government House, and the ravine Blockhouse (roughly where Trinity Bellwoods Park is). As well, the estates of several leading citizens are indicated. The Smith map was part of a historically significant collection of Sherbrooke’s papers purchased at auction in June 2013 by Library and Archives Canada.

Click the image to view a full-size version. 


Plan of York, U.C. / Surveyed and Drawn August 1817, by Lieut. E.A. Smith, 70th Inf'y
Image courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
[Note: Winearls, MUC no. 2041 is a later, but smaller and less detailed version of this plan, prepared for Sherbrooke's successor, Lord Dalhousie. It is held by the William Inglis Morse Collection at Acadia University: 1931.004-WIM/58]

The next plan from the following year is provided as a supplement. It shows the names of lot owners for the town including park lots.

Click the image to view a full size version.


Plan of the Town of York W.C. [9 June 1818]
Image courtesy Toronto Public Library: T1816-3/4Mlrg. Winearls, MUC no. 2044

It’s worth taking the time to compare the above maps with the two Williams plans, and the 1818 Phillpotts Plan of York.


Please ‘Like’ and Share these maps with other Toronto history enthusiasts! (+1s are also welcome!)