Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples lived along the banks of Sixteen Mile Creek.river. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples lived in this land along the river which flows through Milton. Groups such as the Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg people relied on the river for sustenance. They hunted deer and other game in the forest, fished the cool waters, and gathered plant foods. Archaeologists have uncovered villages dated to over 800 years ago, evidence that people have long called this region home.
Early Days And The Martin Family
In 1821, one family’s arrival would shape the start of Milton as a community. Jasper Martin and his sons sailed from England in search of opportunity in the new world. They selected fertile land near the creek’s edge and set about building a gristmill, harnessing the waterpower to grind grain. Farmers from miles around soon came to have their corn and wheat milled. A small village began to form around “Martin’s Mill”, recognising the family who founded it.
The Martins welcomed other settlers joining them in this new land. In time, their story became woven into the fabric of the area. Even today, street names pay tribute like Jasper, James and Joseph Streets named for the pioneering family.
As the 1850s arrived, the neighbouring Halton County was on the lookout for a town to serve as its administrative centre. With over 100 residents now calling it home, the village of Milton was put forth. In 1857, Milton was selected and officially incorporated as the new county seat. Buildings such as the courthouse and jailhouse were built, marking Milton’s growing importance in the region.
Milton’s Rich Indigenous History
While early European settlement inevitably changed the landscape, Milton has proudly acknowledged and honored its Indigenous roots. Iroquoian villages dating back 800 years demonstrate the deep connection between indigenous communities and this land.
In recent decades, Milton has taken steps to preserve that history as the town expanded rapidly. When excavating archaeological sites, care is taken to protect artifacts and ensure indigenous groups’ access to ancestral lands and burial sites. Interpretive programs at Crawford Lake teach residents about the area’s first inhabitants. New developments sometimes yield indigenous finds, pausing construction until careful analysis is done. While growth cannot be halted, Milton aims to balance it with remembrance and education.
Town-commissioned history books now include fuller context on pre-colonial life. Indigenous place names have been revived on maps and signage to affirm continual ownership. Every October, the community participates in events honoring treaties with local First Nations.
For Milton’s indigenous residents, seeing their perspectives acknowledged in the narrative fosters a greater sense of belonging. Younger generations gain understanding of the deep indigenous roots beneath the modern townscape.
In subtle yet meaningful ways, honoring the past enhances Milton’s social fabric. The settlers work hand in hand with First Nations in a spirit of reconciliation,to ensure future progress upholds the dignity and humanity of all whom have called this region home through the generations.
Growth and Industry
One man would later help establish Milton as an industrial innovator. Peter Robertson moved from Scotland and found work at a tool factory. But he dreamt of starting his own business. In 1874, Robertson perfected an improved screwdriver and square-head wood screw. He knew these tools could sell worldwide. Eight years later, Robertson founded his manufacturing company in Milton with several employees. His innovative factory brought hundreds of well-paying jobs to the community.
More industries and families came. By the early 1900s Milton had almost 500 residents. Continued growth led to new schools, stores and services to support the booming community. Oakville Traction streetcars connected Milton to larger cities starting in 1908.
As the 20th century dawned, Milton grew into a bustling small town. New families meant needing more schools, stores and services. In 1908, electric trolleys started carting people between Milton and larger cities like Toronto. In the following decades, other industries like food processing and mining supported Milton’s growing population. After the 1970s, waves of suburban development stretched the modern town boundaries across many kilometers. Milton has come a long way from its modest beginnings as Martin’s Mill nearly two centuries ago. Despite immense changes, its roots and history remain an integral part of the story that continues to unfold today.
Modern Growth
Milton experienced significant change in the 1970s. At this time, the government wanted to restructure local administration. Halton County was dissolved and replaced by the new Regional Municipality of Halton. While this led to changes in local governance, Milton maintained its prominence within the region.
The town continued serving as an important center for the surrounding area. More people were now drawn to Milton as new homes and neighborhoods began developing. Suburban expansion started accelerating the population boom. In 1971, Milton had reached just under 10,000 residents. However, this marked only the beginning of tremendous growth ahead.
Over the following decades, Milton saw immense growth in housing construction. New subdivisions began stretching the boundaries of the town further out. Residential areas like Charing Cross and LaPlaya Springs brought thousands of residents. Roads also expanded to connect the growing communities. This suburban sprawl transformed Milton’s landscape from the 1970s onward.
The influx of residents post the 1970s was unprecedented. Each new census showed population climbing steadily higher. By 2011, Milton had welcomed over 80,000 people while current numbers now surpass 130,000. This explosive growth over recent times has radically altered the scale and layout of the town. Where farm fields once were, neighborhoods and streets now fill the space. Milton’s small town roots have given way to a bustling suburban center. Yet its history remains an integral part of the community even today.
What’s Next?
While Milton has changed tremendously over the past two centuries, it still treasures its origins. The gristmill built by the Martin family in the 1820s may be gone, but reminders of those early days remain. Street names like Jasper, James and Joseph honour the individuals who established the first permanent settlement at Martin’s Mill. Historic buildings scattered around downtown proudly showcase Milton’s progression into a thriving county seat and manufacturing hub. Structures like the Old Town Hall and Clements Block transport visitors back in time as they wander the streets today.
Descendants of the original pioneers still call Milton their home, keeping alive the memories of those who braved frontier life to build a community along Sixteen Mile Creek. As the town spreads further across the landscape with new subdivisions and amenities, it doesn’t forget the Indigenous nations who lived on this land for millennia before. From the Iroquoian villages around Crawford Lake to modern neighbourhoods, generations of inhabitants have shaped Milton through the centuries.
Although ongoing progress continuously redefines the contours of the municipality, one thing is certain – Milton stands firm in honouring where it started. Its past guides the path ahead, with each chapter of history adding further significance and character. As more families plant roots and put down memories with each passing year, Milton’s story continues advancing toward an even brighter future built upon a rich legacy. The story of this tight-knit Southern Ontario town is one of determination, innovation and community – a story still being written today.
