List of historic places in Regional Municipality of York facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a guide to some of the amazing historic places in the Regional Municipality of York, Ontario. These special spots are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, which means they are recognized as important parts of our past by local, provincial, or national governments. They tell us stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago!

Discovering York Region's History
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Discovering York Region's History

York Region is full of fascinating old buildings and sites that have stood the test of time. Each one has a unique story to tell about the people who lived there and the events that shaped our communities.

Aurora's Old Buildings

The town of Aurora has many cool historic places, from old military buildings to charming homes.

The Armoury

The Armoury at 89 Mosley Street is a historic building that once served as a place for military training and storage. It's a reminder of Aurora's past connections to defense and community service.

The historic Armoury in Aurora.

Old Post Office and Railway Station

The Aurora Post Office on Yonge Street, built a long time ago, helped connect people through letters and packages. Nearby, the Canadian National Railway Station was a busy hub where trains arrived and departed, bringing people and goods to town. These buildings show how important communication and travel were in the past.

The old Aurora Post Office.

The historic Canadian National Railway Station in Aurora.

Historic Homes and Schools

Many old houses in Aurora are also protected historic sites. Homes like Ballymore Farmhouse, The Carpenter's House, Elmwood Lodge, and Horton Place give us a peek into the architectural styles and daily lives of people from different eras. The Church Street School and Hartman's Corners Schoolhouse remind us of how education was provided to children in earlier times.

Ballymore Farmhouse, a historic home in Aurora.

The Carpenter's House.

The old Church Street School.

Hartman's Corners Schoolhouse.

The Hillary House is a very special place. It was once the home of several doctors and now serves as a museum of medicine. It's filled with old medical tools and furniture, showing how doctors worked in the past.

Hillary House, now a museum.

East Gwillimbury's Special Place

In East Gwillimbury, you'll find a truly unique historic site.

Sharon Temple

The Sharon Temple National Historic Site of Canada is an incredible building with a unique design. It was built in the early 1800s by a religious group called the Children of Peace. The temple is known for its beautiful, detailed architecture and its peaceful surroundings. It's a place where you can learn about a fascinating part of Canadian history and the people who built it.

The beautiful Sharon Temple.

Georgina's Lakeside Retreat

The town of Georgina is home to a lovely historic estate by the lake.

The Briars Estate

The Briars is a historic estate that includes a grand Manor House and the charming Peacock House. This beautiful property has been a retreat for many years, offering a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families who enjoyed the peaceful lakeside setting. It's a great example of how people used to relax and entertain themselves.

The Manor House at The Briars.

The Peacock House at The Briars.

Markham's Heritage Gems

Markham boasts many historic buildings, from old railway stations to community halls and unique houses.

Old Railway Stations and Town Hall

Markham has two historic railway stations: the Canadian National Railway Station in Unionville and the Former Canadian National Railway Station in Markham Village. These stations were vital for transportation and trade in the past. The Old Town Hall in Markham Village also stands as a symbol of the town's early government and community life.

The old Canadian National Railway Station in Markham.

The Former Canadian National Railway Station in Markham.

Markham's Old Town Hall.

Community Buildings and Homes

The Buttonville Women's Institute Community Hall is a historic place where local women gathered to support their community and learn new skills. Many old homes, like the Adam Clendenen House, Eckhardt-McKay House, Edey House, and The Edward Pease House, show the different styles of architecture from Markham's past. The Thornhill Village Library is another important historic building that served as a center for learning and reading.

Buttonville Women's Institute Community Hall.

The Adam Clendenen House.

Thornhill Village Library.

Newmarket's Timeless Treasures

Newmarket is rich in history, with many buildings that tell stories of its development.

Main Street and Old Town Hall

The Main Street Newmarket Heritage Conservation District is a special area where many historic buildings are preserved. Walking down Main Street feels like stepping back in time! The Old Town Hall is a grand building that once housed the town's government and courthouse. It's a key landmark in Newmarket's history.

Main Street Newmarket.

Newmarket's Old Town Hall.

Important Houses and Schools

Newmarket has many historic houses, such as the Brooks Howard House, Hollingshead House, Isaac Silver House, and John Bogart House. These homes show the different ways people lived and built their houses over the years. Schools like King George Public School and Stuart Scott Public School are also historic, reminding us of the importance of education in the community's growth.

The Brooks Howard House.

King George Public School.

Stuart Scott Public School.

Unique Landmarks

The Former Canadian National Railway Station on Davis Drive is another important railway building that helped Newmarket grow. The Newmarket Federal Building is a significant government building from the past. You can also find the Hicksite Friends Burying Ground and the Pioneer Burying Ground, which are historic cemeteries that tell stories of early settlers. The Radial Arch is a unique structure that was once part of a railway line, showing how transportation evolved in the area.