Discover heritage and culture, committees and places in the Township of Hamilton.
Settlement of the Township began in the late 1700's and on February 14, 1791. The Township was officially named after Henry Hamilton, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. By land and water we flourish is an expression of the Township's history and ongoing character, as well as its motto as seen in our Coat of Arms.
The Township has a rural charm and consists of six hamlets. Lake Ontario and the Town of Cobourg bound it to the south and the famous Rice Lake to the north.
A visit to the Township of Hamilton offers an incredible diversity of attractions for visitors with Rice Lake being the main attraction appealing to fishermen, nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and the many people who simply wish to get away, get some fresh air, sunshine and relax.
Self Guided Tour
Take a Self Guided Tour of the Township of Hamilton. Set your own destination and take time to tour the rich, outstanding history and heritage in our community. Whether you are visiting the area or a long-time Township resident, this tour is bound to please.
Digital Heritage Story Map: Architectural Inventory
The Township's Heritage Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Township's GIS program, has developed a digital map of 50+ heritage properties of interest throughout the community. Read about the fascinating history of some of the Township's most unique existing and by-gone homes and structures, check out some never-before-seen historic and current photos, or plot a road-trip throughout the Township to visit these historical gems!
Please keep in mind that the properties in the Heritage Story Map are private residences and are to be viewed from the street only. Please respect the home owners and do not trespass on to private property. Enjoy!
Heritage Designations
On September 17, 2024 Council approved the Updated Municipal Heritage Register. Learn about the Designated Heritage Properties.
Plaques of Hamilton Township
The Heritage Advisory Committee has compiled information and pictures of our six historical plaques in the Township of Hamilton.
The Township is surrounded with interesting historical attractions. For example, a monument which recognizes Joseph Scriven who wrote the hymn, What a Friend We have in Jesus; Mount Ararat, the highest point of the Rice Lake plains and home in 1849 to early Canadian writer Catharine Parr Traill; the Cobourg-Peterborough Railroad Causeway that once crossed Rice Lake where partially submerged remains are still visible; Ball's Mill which allows visitors to step back in time to 1842 when the unique structure began as a carding mill and saw mill.
Hamilton Township Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee works under the Ontario Heritage Act to provide and prepare the criteria for the evaluation of properties of architectural/historical value (or cultural heritage); to increase public awareness of heritage conservation; prepare a yearly report of activities and to keep the register of historic properties up to date. The Committee advises and assists Council on all matters relating to buildings and areas of cultural heritage value and in regard to cultural heritage resources.
Learn more or apply for membership to the Heritage Advisory Committee.