| This area of Ontario is covered by Bruce County GenWeb. The information presented below is merely an outline of the county and does not include what is available for genealogical research for this area. For information on genealogical research of this area please visit Bruce County GenWeb. |
Bruce County was established in 1849 partly from crown land and partly from Huron District. Prior to 1836 it was Saugeen Indian Territory. The area was also referred to as "Queen's Bush".
"The county was named in 1849 for James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine (1811-63), governor of the province of Canada, 1846-54. It was during his term that responsible government was introduced into Canada." 5
The county was surveyed in 1848 and the first settlers arrived in the summer of the same year. In 1849 more settlers, mostly of Scotch origin, arrived to the area that is now Kincardine. The north part of the county had several reserves, some of which are still in existence.
"In the early days of settlement, lumbering, fishing and agriculture were the primary sources of income for Bruce County residents." 2
"Population 27,499 in 1861 and 58,213 in 1980." 3
Bruce County is located in South-Western Ontario.
Prior to 1849 - Huron District
More maps of this area
Surnames
Place Names
Books
Links
Questions & Answers
1 Lovell's Gazetteer of British North America 1873
2 Places In Ontario by Nick & Helma Mika, 1977
3 Place Names of Ontario by Floreen Carter, 1984
5 Place Names of Ontario by Alan Rayburn, 1997
