Lake Simcoe–Lake Huron Purchase facts for kids
The Lake Simcoe–Lake Huron Purchase was an important agreement made a long time ago. It's also known as Crown Treaty Number Sixteen. This treaty was signed on November 18, 1815. It was an agreement between the Ojibwe people and the government of Upper Canada. Through this treaty, a large area of land between Lake Simcoe and Lake Huron was purchased. This land included the path where the Penetanguishene Road had just been built.
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What Was the Lake Simcoe–Lake Huron Purchase?
The Lake Simcoe–Lake Huron Purchase was a deal for land. It happened on November 18, 1815. The agreement was between the government of Upper Canada and the Ojibwe First Nation. This treaty bought a big piece of land. It was located between Lake Simcoe and Lake Huron.
Why Was This Land Important?
The land bought in this treaty was very important. A road called the Penetanguishene Road had just been built there. This road went from Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe to Penetanguishene Bay on Lake Huron. It was built at the end of the War of 1812. The road's main purpose was to create a military route. This meant it helped move soldiers and supplies.
The land for the road was bought for £4,000 sterling. This was a lot of money back then. The area purchased was about 250,000 acres (1,012 square kilometers). This land later became parts of several townships. These included Oro, Vespra, Medonte, Flos, Tay, and Tiny. All these places are in Simcoe County.
Who Signed the Treaty?
Many people signed this important treaty. They represented both the British Crown and the Ojibwe people.
British Signees
The British side had several important people. They included Provincial Commissioners Elisha Beman and Henry Proctor. Also signing were Captain W. M. Cochrane and Lieutenant Alexander Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was from the British Indian Department. An interpreter named William Gruet also signed. Finally, James Givins signed on behalf of the Crown.
Ojibwe Chiefs
The Ojibwe Chiefs who signed the treaty were also very important. They included Kinaybicoinini, Aisance, and Misquuckkey. Some people believe Chief Misquuckkey might be the same chief that the Muskoka region was named after.
Where Can You Find the Treaty Today?
The original text of this treaty is still available. You can find it in the records at the Simcoe County Archives. These archives are located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
