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Victorian Heritage

545 Talbot Street City Hall  •  St. Thomas, Ontario  •  N5P 3V7
📜 From crossroads to Railway Capital of Canada

St. Thomas, Ontario is a city built at a crossroads — literally! First settled in 1810, the city began at the intersection of two early colonial roads and has since grown into a place rich with heritage, innovation, and community spirit.

Named the seat of Elgin County in 1844, it became a village in 1852, a town in 1861, and was officially incorporated as a city in 1881 — the same year the iconic Jumbo the Elephant passed through and made his mark on local legend.

But it was the railway boom that truly defined St. Thomas. From the mid-1800s into the 20th century, the city was a bustling railway hub, with 26 different railways running through town. At its peak, more than 100 trains passed through daily, earning St. Thomas the proud title of Railway Capital of Canada.

Today, traces of this powerful legacy are still visible throughout the city — from its architecture and historic churches to beautifully preserved railway buildings, murals, and museums.
​🏙️ Highlights of St. Thomas History:
  • 🛤️ Railway heritage with 26 railways shaping the city’s growth
  • 🏛️ Stunning Victorian architecture, heritage homes, and churches
  • 🏗️ Transition from railway to automotive and manufacturing industries in the mid-1900s
  • 📍 Key milestone: Became a city in 1881, the same year Jumbo arrived
  • 🖼️ Historical stories now told through murals, plaques, and public art across downtown

Explore the past as you walk the present — St. Thomas continues to evolve while honouring the foundations that built it.

​📍 Learn more as you explore downtown: watch for info plaques, public art, and heritage buildings at every turn!
📞 PHONE: 519.631.1680
🌐 WEB: HERITAGE PROPERTIES WEB
(Find Downtown Registry towards the bottom)
🕖 HOURS at CITY HALL
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm