Withrow Archaeological Site Historical Plaque

Toronto's Historical Plaques

Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019

To see what's new on this site, you can visit the Home Page

Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone in Landscape mode (Horizontal)

The Withrow Archaeological Site Centennial of Discovery 1886-1986

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

The grounds of Withrow Avenue Public School on Bain Avenue used to be an aboriginal encampment. This 1988 Toronto Historical Board plaque giving the details is attached to the outside wall of the school. Here's what the plaque tells us:

Coordinates: 43.670642 -79.352177

Click here for a larger map

As long as 4,000 years ago, this sandy knoll was the location of campsites for generations of native people. It provided an excellent lookout over the Don River Valley for observing game. Here small family groups probably lived in skin tents during hunting seasons. Lost for many years, the site was uncovered by workers digging a roadbed in 1886. The discovery aroused great public interest and Ontario's first professional archaeologist, David Boyle, conducted excavations. Only a small number of artifacts exist from the now destroyed encampments. Of the many native sites in the city, Withrow is one of the few for which we have archaeological evidence.

Another plaque at this location
Withrow Avenue Public School Junior

Related webpages
Don River Valley
David Boyle

More
First Nations

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted September 19, 2012
It is very sad that artifacts are displayed at the school and not taken proper care or concern for.

> Posted August 20, 2008
Regarding Withrow School's display of artifacts of the type found at the site. When I last saw the display (c. 2006) it was in sad shape. The students/staff didn't even know that their school occupied a former archaeological site. Such a wasted opportunity for first hand education about Ontario's prehistory and its Aboriginal inhabitants. C. Caroppo

Here's where you can send me a comment for this page.

Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.

To send me your comment, click [email protected].

Thanks
Webmaster

Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click here.