Albion Bolton Historical Society unveils plaque dedicated to Bolton’s founder

George Bolton bought 200 acres of land in what's now Bolton in 1821

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local historical society has just taken a major step to honour the founder of Bolton. 

On October 5, in Bolton Mill Park, the Albion Bolton Historical Society unveiled a bronze plaque that commemorates George Bolton, the founder of Bolton. 

In 1821, George Bolton — who was 22 at the time — purchased 200 acres of land, which spanned from Bolton's four corners, across King Street East to beyond Old King Road, and up the North Valley slope to the tableland above.

The Humber River ran directly through Bolton's property and he dammed the river and built a grist mill. By 1824, the mill was grinding grain into flour and this marked the beginning of Bolton as an industrial centre. Bolton's mill was the first in the Town of Caledon.

At the October 5 plaque unveiling, Bolton family descendants Darlene Moffatt and Fiona Barrie were in attendance. 

Regional Councillor Mario Russo, Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa, and Ward 6 Councillor Cosimo Napoli attended the event, as did community members, other Bolton family members, Albion Bolton Historical Society members, and Caledon residents.

The new plaque is mounted on the Bolton Bicentennial Rock, which is located where George Bolton's original dam once was. 

George Bolton provided the Bolton area's first school in 1830 and built its first general store in 1831. In 1832, he was appointed postmaster of the Albion Post Office.

George Bolton is also known for creating roads into the valley: King Street, Glasgow Road, and Centennial Drive. He created these roads and maintained them.

Bolton was a river valley village all the way until the early 1930s when Queen Street South was cut through the South Hill. 

Heather Broadbent, an Albion Bolton Historical Society member and a former heritage officer for the Town of Caledon, said recognition for George Bolton is long overdue.

“He never sought credit for what he achieved but that doesn't countenance his being overlooked. I am grateful that the Society's 50th Anniversary and the Bolton Bicentennial celebration two years ago have provided the impetus to bring his name and accomplishments to the fore,” said Broadbent. 

The plaque was made possible thanks to James Dick Construction, a grant from the Caledon Council Community Golf Tournament, and donations from Albion Bolton Historical Society members.

Society member Valerie Mackie notes there are still several pre-1850s buildings standing in Bolton today that George Bolton would have been familiar with: Elijah Harsent's tavern and inn (1841) at the corner of Queen Street North at Mill Street; the Methodist Chapel at 21 King Street East (1842); the Mill Cottage (1843) at 97 King Street East; William Hughes' house (1846) at 74 King Street East; Samuel Bolton's house (1849) at 70 Queen Street East; Samuel Walford's house (1849) at 43 Queen Street South; and Mosey Botham's tailor shop (1850) at 122 King Street East.

Former Caledon resident and Albion Bolton Historical Society member John McFall explained that in 1982, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority did extensive work on the Humber River and created a flood control channel. 

“In the process, they unearthed large wood beams from the original dam, information that was used to position the Bicentennial Rock,” said McFall.