Visit The Historical Sites Of Kitchener-Waterloo
The Waterloo Region of Ontario in Central Canada is rich in
history and culture, much of it comes directly from its original
European settlers - a number of Mennonite families who migrated
from Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. In more recent years the
cultural diversity of the Waterloo region has been shaped by
immigration from all corners of the globe. This immigration is
due in no small part to the prosperous, diverse economic
activity of the region and the presence of two highly respected
Universities.
Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower is a monument which honours the
first pioneers of the Waterloo Region. Those original Mennonite
pioneers came to the region from Pennsylvania between 1800 and
1803 and settled on the banks of the Grand River where they
found lush and productive farm land. The monument was
constructed in 1923 on an acre of land just east of the Grand
near the small town of Doon. The unique Swiss look of the tower
spire reflects the Swiss Mennonite homeland of the original
settlers.
At Doon Heritage Crossroads you can explore Waterloo County as
it was in 1914. Come back to see what businesses, homes and
farms were like and how people went about their daily lives.
Joseph Schneider Haus Museum and Gallery recreates life as it
was in the area in the 1850s. This is the house that Joseph and
Barbara Schneider built in 1816. They were among the early
Mennonite pioneers who trekked to the new frontier from
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s.
Homer Watson was a noted local artist of the Waterloo Region. He
was known as the "Man of Doon" since Doon was the site of his
home and studio. Homer Watson House & Gallery preserves his
studio and also host art classes and workshops and includes an
exhibition of contemporary art.
Canada's 10th and longest serving Prime Minister was William
Lyon Mackenzie King who was born in Berlin in 1874 (before its
name was changed to Kitchener during WW1). His boyhood home at
Woodside National Historic Site has been restored to the beauty
of the early 1890